New Grant Opportunity To Fund Security Upgrades At Putnam Justice Center
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department applying for a grant to help improve security at the Justice Center. Sheriff Eddie Farris said that the projects would benefit officers, state workers, and the public. Farris said that one of the things the county has on its docket is installing kevlar panels for the existing court clerk benches. […]
Three Putnam Inmates Transported To Hospital For Overdoses
Three inmates overdosed at the Putnam County Jail Monday morning, the second time in a month. Sheriff Eddie Farris said they have reason to believe it was from fentanyl brought in by an inmate booked around 12:30 this morning. Farris said the inmate was able to bring the narcotics in undetected. “The drugs are being […]
New Emergency Radio System Upgrades Will Help Improve Communication
Putnam County Sheriff’s Department expects about another year until its new emergency radio communications system will be complete. Sheriff Eddie Farris said Putnam County will have five sites for the transmitter locations. He said three sites are already in good shape, one site needs upgrades, and the state will find and purchase land for the […]
Putnam Sheriff’s Department Introducing Idea Of Housing Federal Inmates
Putnam County Sheriff’s Department in negotiations with the Nashville Middle District United States Marshal to house federal inmates with the new jail addition. Sheriff Eddie Farris said that this is an opportunity that has come about through a good working relationship with the state marshal’s office, so there is a good sense of trust. Farris […]
27.5 Cent Property Tax Increase On Table For Putnam Budget
The Putnam County Budget Committee voted 6-1 Thursday to take the next step with a 27.5 cent property tax increase for county residents. The approved proposal includes fully funding a new pay scale plan for county employees and 91 new employees. Mayor Randy Porter and his team will bring more formal cost estimates to the […]
Putnam County Jail Receives Accreditation Increasing State Allotment Per Inmate
Putnam County Jail has recently received accreditation by meeting all requirements as set by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. The accreditation will increase the amount of money allotted per inmate from the state without costing Putnam County residents any extra tax dollars. Currently, the jail houses approximately 100 state inmates on felony convictions that were committed […]
Putnam Sheriff’s Department To Invest In Monitoring Devices For Work Crew Participants
A new state law will require the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department to spend additional money for inmates that participate with the county’s work crews. Sheriff Eddie Farris said starting January 1st, any prisoners that leave the jail for work-related programs will have to have ankle monitors or be accompanied by an armed deputy. Farris said […]
Putnam Begins Budget Process With Likely Need For Revenue
Putnam County Commissioners will start to piece together a budget this week as they begin meetings with department heads about what the needs are. Commission Chair Ben Rodgers said they will start with the sheriffs department which could be ready to open the justice center expansion by the end of the new fiscal year. “We’re […]
Putnam Jail Expansion May Need More Staff Members Than Originally Anticipated
Putnam County is facing staffing shortages now and will also have to address increased staffing needs with the current expansion. Sheriff Eddie Farris said original CTAS estimates for the expanded facility called for a staff of about 75. Farris said now it appears that number is closer to about 100. “They’re taking into consideration not […]
Body Found And Identified In Center Hill Lake Wednesday
A body was found and identified in Center Hill Lake near the Hickey Boat Ramp in Putnam County Wednesday. Sheriff Eddie Farris said TWRA agents were on a training mission on the lake when they discovered the body of 40-year-old Spencer Harville floating in the water. He said upon the discovery, the agents immediately called […]
