Five teams of two persons each consisting of personnel from the BCSO and U.S. Marshall’s Service started Tuesday verifying offenders live at the address where they are registered and are abiding by any applicable restrictions regarding minor children living in the same home.

Approximately 72 of Bradley County’s registered offenders report to the BCSO. Those who live in the city register with the Cleveland Police Department and those on parole or probation register with those state agencies.

Registrations at the BCSO are assigned to a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division. CID Capt. Steve Lawson said, "The law is very precise, sex offenders must report when they are suppose to, provide us with accurate information, and between scheduled visits report any changes in their status in a timely manner."

The Tennessee Sex Offender Act requires offenders report changes in residence, employment, or enrollment in an educational facility within 48 hours. Offenders on registries in other states are required to register in Tennessee within 48 hours after they establish residence.

On Tuesday the teams visited 70 residences and were able to talk to 56 offenders. Fourteen were not home and two others are currently in custody. The compliance checks found seven that potentially are in violation of the act. After further investigation those matters will be taken to the Bradley County Grand Jury.

Sheriff Tim Gobble said, "The most important role of government is to protect and defend citizens, and children are our most defenseless citizens. The BCSO is making all reasonable efforts to ensure their safety through our efforts and partnerships with Federal agencies.

"We are also members of the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) program to identify and prosecute on-line sexual predators who seek to abuse our children."

The registry can be viewed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s website at www.tbi.tn.gov.