With the inadequate budget constraints, I and Chief Deputy Virgil Gammon constantly prioritize to maintain a high level of services to citizens.

Many people don’t realize the sheriff’s office is not just a law enforcement agency, but we are mandated to provide duties under the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions such as:

• Housing prisoners, ranging from 500 to 1,000 inmates.

Deputy Chief Bob Asbury and his staff maintain a safe environment for inmates, while in the jail and while in court. A large medical force under the direction of Dr. John Daniel Rudd provide sufficient health care for prisoners, while reducing medical costs by thousands of dollars annually. 

• Serving more than 28,000 criminal warrants and some 20,000 civil warrants in 2009 under the leadership of Capt. John Frost.

• Answering thousands of calls annually from citizens to communications, the first line of response, and dispatching deputies to help in an effective and efficient manner under the supervision of Capt. Candi McCluskey.

On the law enforcement side, the patrol division supervised by Maj. Kent Huggins has been grossly undermanned for years. Lt. Philip Martin was able to obtain grants to add manpower. Patrol is the one of the keys to law enforcement where officers concentrate to keep the criminal element out of neighbors. It’s a major step in crime reduction. Training supervised by Capt. Steve Spence is extremely vital for the patrol officers. Without training, officers cannot provide services. Besides patrolling, officers answer calls from people who need assistance during stressful times.

Detective Maj. Chuck Thomas and his team of detectives operate at a high level investigating major felony crimes and some misdemeanor crimes. The Cold Case Unit of Detective Lt. Bill Sharp and Sgt. Dan Goodwin is one of the most successful teams in the Southeast, solving 20-year-old murders by using the latest technology.

The Interstate Crime Enforcement unit led by Lt. Chris Haynes frees the county from illegal drugs. They have apprehended a number of felons wanted in other states. The unit has earned national awards.

The Narcotics Division led by Lt. Egon Grissom battles illegal drug sales throughout the county. The Mounted Horse Patrol provides security at community events. The Felony Apprehension Search Tactical team carries out dangerous calls such as barricaded suspects or hostages.

We are constantly striving to make our schools the safest in the country by training with teachers and working with schools Director Harry Gill. Led by Maj. Bill Kennedy, school resource officers are posted at every county school to keep teachers, principals and students safe. They deal with the tough challenges facing young students, counseling one-on-one to students. The SRO Division was named the top SRO Division in the country this year. SROs sponsor the Operation Integrity boot camp for troubled students and the Teen Education Alcohol Management team to reduce underage drinking.

Chief Administrative Deputy Regina Nelson supervises the Administrative Division, whose staff monitors costs, payroll and benefits.

The Community Services Division supports crime prevention programs such as the successful Neighborhood Watch, Citizens Sheriff’s Academy, the Senior Citizens Sheriff’s Academy and child safety seats.

Working in partnership with the city of Murfreesboro , a firing range was constructed at the sheriff’s office so officers from both departments can train in weapons without leaving the city. This is another example of savings for citizens.