Cookeville Police Urge Preparation For Busy School Zones
The Cookeville Police Department urging drivers to reduce speed as schools ramp up for the fall semester. Administrative Sergeant Charlotte Austin said motorists often fail to recognize the change in speed limits because driving habits become second nature on familiar roadways. “We have a lot of speeding in school zones,” Austin said. “Our traffic unit […]
Cookeville Police Join Community At National Night Out
Cookeville Police Department hosting National Night Out Tuesday to build relationships between first responders and the community through a series of free family activities at Dogwood Park. Administrative Sergeant Charlotte Austin said the event serves as a central location for residents to meet personnel from the police department, fire department, EMS, and Tennessee Highway Patrol. […]
Vandalized Cinderella Park Reopens After Volunteer Repairs
Cinderella Park reopened Wednesday after a local volunteer donated his time and professional skills to repair a playground structure damaged by fireworks and a second act of vandalism. Cookeville Director of Leisure Services Chad McDonald originally said due to the age of the equipment, it was uncertain if repairs would be possible. “We had a […]
Cookeville Wins State Award For Behavioral Health Initiative
Cookeville received the Excellence in Fire Service award from the Tennessee Municipal League for a program that pairs emergency responders with mental health professionals to handle behavioral health crises. The Cookeville Community Response program involves a partnership between the Cookeville Fire Department, Cookeville Police Department, NAMI Tennessee, and Volunteer Behavioral Health Services. The initiative aims […]
Police See Results From Community Response Program
The Cookeville Police Department receiving statewide praise for a new program pairing law enforcement with mental health experts to handle emergency calls. Community Services Sergeant Charlotte Austin said the Cookeville Community Response Program utilizes a certified mental health specialist and an EMT to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. “I think […]
UCHRA Peer Recovery Specialists Join Cookeville Police
Cookeville Police Department will partner with UCHRA to integrate a certified peer recovery specialist into its operations, providing long-term support for those in need. City Manager James Mills said the agency will provide a specialist available 24 hours a day to assist people based on their interactions with police. The program is designed to offer […]
Cyclists Need To Follow Rules Of Road, Wear Helmets
With spring weather in full bloom, more bicyclists are taking to the roadways for exercise, but local law enforcement said following traffic guidelines are key. From using hands as turn signals to displaying a white light and red rear reflectors, Cookeville Police Sergeant Charlotte Austin said cyclists need to be mindful of the rules when […]
Putnam Courthouse Bomb Threat Investigation Underway
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office investigating a Sunday bomb threat made against the Putnam County Courthouse that demanded a ransom of $10,000. A search revealed no signs of forced entry or explosive devices at either location.The investigation discovered that the same phone number has been used to call in similar threats to multiple jurisdictions in […]
Cookeville Police Battling Sophisticated Retail Crime
Putnam County Law enforcement utilizing the Tennessee Organized Retail Crime Prevention Act to target traveling criminal groups that steal thousands of dollars in merchandise from high-end merchants. Cookeville Police Department Sgt. Charlotte Austin said the legislation addresses sophisticated criminal enterprises instead of shoplifting. Austin said one detective in Cookeville has already taken out approximately 12 […]
Caution Urged As Sun Glare Blinds School Zone Drivers
Shifting spring sunlight create dangerous glare conditions for drivers navigating Upper Cumberland school zones during morning commutes. Cookeville Police Department Sgt. Charlotte Austin said the combination of warmer weather and altered daylight hours has led to an increase in foot and bicycle traffic during peak drop-off times. Austin said drivers encounter bright sunlight at unexpected […]
