We have already lost over 150 people in Bradley County due to automobile deaths in this new century. Most cases have been due to speed and driving under the influence. Some deaths involved both speed and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs.
We have tried to get the message out through the Banner and the broadcast media that the Sheriff’s Office has implemented a policy of zero tolerance toward the chronic speeder.
Thousands of warning tickets and verbal warnings have been given over the years by our deputies. This goodwill effort has failed to slow traffic. Some of our residents have been given more than one warning.
The BCSO continues to have complaints from people in local neighborhoods about cars going too fast. It is a problem on every road in the county, every single day.
Sometimes we have complaints of speeding in neighborhoods and then find out that the complainant or a relative are part of the problem, because they get caught speeding, too. There seems to be an attitude that — “I should be exempted for speeding, but my neighbor should be punished.”
I have mentioned before that working traffic aggressively, not only saves lives, but, brings benefits in solving crimes, as well. A strong law enforcement presence is probably the greatest tool in crime prevention.
When petty drug dealers, burglars, thieves, robbers and shoplifters know the law is in the area they will not ply their trade there.
When these thugs visit from other cities our deputies will be looking for any traffic infractions they commit. They will be cited or, possibly jailed. They will find out that we are very intolerant of law-breakers.
We must enforce all the laws of the land fairly and without discrimination. Although, when someone has the look and actions of a drug dealer or user, for example, we must be very careful not to “profile” anyone illegally. We must enforce the traffic laws and make traffic stops that are consistently legal.
This crackdown will prevent both traffic deaths and street crimes, as we tighten our grip on the traffic enforcement laws. We will be arresting more law-breakers and Bradley County will be a safer place to live. I believe all types of criminal activity will begin to decrease.
The price all of our honest everyday citizens will have to pay will be they must tow the mark when it comes to driving on our roads.
This will certainly be a learning process.
For this campaign to saves lives to be effective, our deputies will have to write tickets to all violators.
We will not discriminate.
I am asking for the patience and cooperation of all of our citizens in this lifesaver, crime-solving and crime-prevention effort.
As I write this I know that some of my extended family and friends will receive a traffic ticket. Please stand with me and set a good example. Please stand with me as we work to save lives and prevent many other more serious crimes. Only with your help will this program work for everyone’s benefit.
That is why I echo the saying, “Support Your Local Sheriff.”
As always, thanks for hearing me out!
