Looking back over the past few years of my administration, I am proud of the improvements and accomplishments we have been able to bring to the BCSO. Some top highlights include:
Reduced overall crime by six percent, and thefts and burglaries at one point by 30 percent.
Reduced top-heavy management/bureaucracy by cutting 10 management positions and shifting more deputies to street patrol and deterring crime and backing up each other in dangerous situations.
Reduced average emergency response times by three to four minutes.
Increased deputy pay to more competitive starting levels and made modest improvements for all employees, improving department morale.
Replaced most all vehicles with over 250,000 miles, making for a more reliable response, improving officer safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Provided deputies with certified level III bullet-resistant vests, replacing the tattered, torn expired vests that placed their lives in jeopardy.
Returned money every year from budget savings to taxpayers.
Brought in an average of $4.2 million each year to the taxpayers, offsetting the BCSO budget by a third.
Put more inmates to work picking up litter and improving the community, saving taxpayer money.
Launched Criminal Alien Program to fight illegal immigration in our community.
Significantly improved and expanded training opportunities and firearms qualifications standards, enhancing professionalism.
Implemented the Internet Crimes Against Children program.
Caused no tax increase and utilized existing resources in a fast-growing and expanding community.
I am grateful to my command staff, deputies, support personnel, local businesses, non-profit organizations and the citizens of Bradley County for working together to make our community one of the best in the U.S.
On another note, I want to express my appreciation to all American veterans for their service to our country. Dwight D. Eisenhower once said history does not long entrust the defense of freedom to the weak or timid. Our military forces are neither weak nor timid and have been quick and willing to come to the aid of our allies and other nations when they have been threatened by forces of tyranny.
I hope everyone will take time this Veteran’s Day to remember the sacrifice of our military veterans and honor their heroic service to this country. The battle against fascism, tyranny and genocide is one that never stops. And don’t forget our law enforcement personnel who protect and defend our freedoms here at home. Please keep them all in your prayers every day of the year.
The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is located at 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland 37311. You can call us at 728-7300. If you would like to contact me personally, email: comments@bradleysheriff.co