Sheriff Garrett: "Our Schools Are Safer Than They Have Ever Been"

  • Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Sheriff Austin Garrett
Sheriff Austin Garrett

Sheriff Austin Garrett on Wednesday morning told members of the County Commission, "Our schools are the safest they've ever been."

He said that is the fact despite multiple threats and arrests, and the confiscation of four guns on school campuses this school year.

Sheriff Garrett said Hamilton County was the first county in the state to provide a School Resource Officer or School Safety Officer in every public school, including the charter schools.

He said multiple safety meetings have been conducted in the schools, and the Sheriff's Office is cooperating with the DARE program.

Sheriff Garrett said there is a problem in society of a lack of respect for authority that is undermining the schools.

The sheriff said this school year there have been 22 arrests involving threats of violoence and 34 threats in the schools. He said some threats are determined to be hoaxes or deemed not valid.

He said the guns have been located at three public schools and one charter school.

Sheriff Garrett said there have been 52 total arrests at the county schools this year, including 33 felonies.

He said the threats cause tension for both students and staff. He said, "They are wondering, 'Are we next? Is something going to happen today?' "

Breaking News
Tennessee Department Of Safety Drivers Services Division Works To Meet REAL ID Demand
  • 4/25/2025

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is working hard to meet increased demand ahead of the May 7 REAL ID implementation date, while also clearing up common misconceptions ... more

Patsy Hazlewood Of Robin Smith: "I Think She Was Incredibly Dishonest"
  • 4/24/2025

Former state Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, testifying about former fellow legislator Robin Smith, told a Nashville jury on Thursday, "I think she was incredibly dishonest. I don't like the fact that ... more

Chattanooga Notifies Individuals Affected By NRS Data Breach
  • 4/24/2025

The City of Chattanooga has sent letters to all 836 people whose City of Chattanooga data was affected by Nationwide Recovery Services’ (NRS) recent data breach. The letters detail to individuals ... more