posted November 20, 2008
Applications are still being accepted at the Bradley County Sheriff's Office for the Special Deputy Church Protection Program.
Sheriff Tim Gobble established the program 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. The idea grew out of an attack inside a Knoxville church earlier this year.
Special deputies working in the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program must meet the same minimum training requirements as a full-time deputy sheriff, except they will not be required to attend the law enforcement training academy. They must successfully complete a background investigation and 80 hours of in-service training during the first year they are in the program and 40 hours each year thereafter.
The Training Unit of the BCSO will provide training beginning in January 2009 on a schedule that accommodates various work schedules.
Sheriff Gobble said any church that wants to be in the program should file an application soon so background checks can be completed by the end of the year.
A list of the requirements for the Special Deputy Church Protection Program is provided in the application packet that is available for download on the sheriff's website, www.bradleysheriff.com under the "Documents" tab, or a copy can be picked up at the sheriff's office.
Anyone needing additional information about the program can contact BCSO's Public Information Office at 728-7320.
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |