We will work to be proactive in preventing crime by getting more people in our communities around the county involved.
I remember that, as a young boy, I could walk the streets of Cleveland far from my home and was not concerned about being safe. I, along with neighborhood boys, played in woods around the Fillauer property off 20th Street N.E., and on beyond there, across where APD 40 is now. I, also, walked several miles to play baseball and/or football at Ball Park Curve, or at Fulbright Park.
Things have changed and most of us would not let our young children do this anymore. There are a lot of dangers out there that we did not, generally, have to face back then. Part of the reason for this is that the county population has increased greatly, and with that comes increased crime.
No one law enforcement agency can be the answer to reducing crime. It takes a combined effort by all law enforcement entities, along with cooperative, civic-minded citizens to stem the flow.
The sheriff’s office will engage the citizens, businesses, organizations and groups within the different communities of Bradley County in order to make a difference. The results can be better relationships between citizens and law enforcement personnel, a better flow of intelligence, reduced crime rates and enhanced security.
Our Crime Prevention Programs are flexible, but will basically consist of Neighborhood Watch, Night Out Against Crime, the Tennessee Handgun Permit classes, senior citizen checks and re-institution of Community Policing. The goal will be to reduce crime through enhanced communication, education and caring about one another. My secondary goal is to increase everyone’s sense of security in their persons and property.
This is the purpose of each of these programs.
It is my intention to impart to our citizens that by working together, things will get better, at least locally.
Our sheriff’s office has long enjoyed the reputation of being peace officers, and, generally, treating people respectfully and fairly. I want to ensure the citizens of the county that I will work to improve upon this even more.
Anyone who is interested in a Neighborhood Watch Program for their neighborhood can contact Lt. Bob Hancock at 728-7321.
To sign up for the Tennessee Handgun Permit class call 728-7301, and to sign up a senior on our Senior Citizen registry call 728-7326 and talk to Lt. Buck Campbell.
