posted October 8, 2008
Churches in Bradley County that wish to be a part of the Special Deputy Church Protection Program can still apply to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Tim Gobble said the program was established to enhance a church's ability to protect and defend the sanctity of their worship against armed intrusion and/or attack on the church premises prior to the arrival of full-time law enforcement upon the scene.
Special deputies working in the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program must meet the same minimum requirements as a full-time deputy sheriff, but are not required to attend a law enforcement training academy. They must successfully complete a background investigation and a training requirement of 80 hours the first year and 40 hours for each year thereafter while they are in the program.
BCSO will provide training beginning in January 2009 based on a schedule that accommodates various work schedules.
Any church desiring special deputies under this program must request the appointment of well-known, regularly attending members in good standing, who are trustworthy, mature and responsible.
Applications for the Special Deputy Church Protection Program are being accepted through the end of the year but churches that want to participate are encouraged to return them as quickly as possible to the BCSO to allow adequate time for the background investigation.
The application packet is available at the Bradley County Sheriff's Office or on their website, www.bradleysheriff.com, under the "Documents" tab.
For more information, contact the BCSO at 728-7300.
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