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BradleySheriff.com
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HELPING OTHERS |
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Monday, 22 March 2010 |
According to state law, police officers are not obligated to function in a law enforcement capacity when they are off duty. They are authorized to do so, if the situation calls for it, but they are not required to.
However, given the choice, I have found that BCSO deputies are more than willing to step in if needed, whether on duty or off. This is because they take their responsibilities and commitment to public safety very seriously and it is not unusual for them to respond to threats or suspicious activity wherever and whenever they encounter it.
A few weeks ago, on February 7, an off-duty BCSO deputy noticed suspicious activity in the parking lot of his church. He called for back-up and investigated. As it turns out, the suspicious person was not a member or attendee of the church and, when back-up officers arrived, was found to have taken a wallet from one of the cars. He was arrested and charged and the wallet was returned to its owner.
In another incident that took place on February 21, a man entered the sanctuary of another local church asking for money. An off-duty BCSO deputy recognized the man, approached him and identified himself as a deputy. A computer check through the 911 Center revealed the man to have two outstanding warrants for failure to appear on drug and criminal trespass charges. He was arrested and transported to the jail.
In yet another incident four days later, on February 25, a BCSO deputy was relaxing at home, enjoying a day off when he noticed a commotion outside his window. Across the street from his home, three people were involved in a fist fight. He immediately called for backup and went outside to break up the fight.
These three incidents took place over the course of one month and in each case, an off-duty deputy, without regard to whether or not they were “on the clock,” stepped up in a pro-active manner to protect people. This serves to illustrate the diligence of Bradley County deputies and the great role they play in safeguarding this community and the citizens they are sworn to protect. I am proud of the quality of the men and women of the BCSO and it is a privilege to work with them.
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