Sheriff Tim Gobble is proud to report his 2006-2007 reorganization of County law enforcement services continues to pay dividends for the residents of Bradley County as overall criminal offenses declined 12% in 2009 from 2008. There were a total of 3012 reportable offenses in 2009.

Sheriff Gobble stated, “This is a continued example of how our deputies when properly supported can make real and identifiable improvements in the quality of life for the residents of our community. By increasing morale at the BCSO, reducing top-heavy management and putting more deputies and investigators in the field with the proper training and equipment, we continue reductions in crime and violence even during an economic downturn when most expected crime to increase.”  

There were no homicides in Bradley County in 2009 and all Group A offenses, which include crimes against persons, property and society declined by 12 percent. Some highlights include simple assaults down 6%, vandalism down 26%, vehicle thefts down 18% from 81 to 66, thefts from a vehicle were down 5%, thefts from a building were down 1% and burglaries were down 3% for a total of 317. 

Group B offenses which include disorderly conduct offenses, DUI, public drunkenness, trespassing etc. were down by four percent. 

Domestic violence related crime was reduced by 7%. 

Total arrests made by Bradley County deputies in 2009 were 2,893. 

The overall crime clearance rate achieved by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is almost 55%, which is about 25% above the national average clearance rate of near 30%. 

Sheriff Gobble said, “These numbers continue to confirm the BCSO is operating at an all time record level of effectiveness and efficiency and confirm the statements of outside experts made in 2007 when we were identified as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the nation.”  

“I want to thank each employee here at the BCSO and all members of the public who have supported our efforts. I want to thank District Attorney Steve Bebb and his Office for their assistance in prosecutions as well as the United States Attorney’s Office and the entire local criminal justice system. I also want to thank Mayor Davis and Commissioners Howard Thompson and Brian Smith for their recent support of County law enforcement efforts as much progress continues to be made without the need for any tax increases.” 

“These statistics while impressive only tell part of the story as there were 86,871 calls for service. Our Corrections Division continues to operate the jail and workhouse programs with great efficiency and our Judicial Services Division continues to protect our courts and serve criminal and civil court orders at record levels.”