Sheriff John Garrett Secures Overton County Victory
Overton County Sheriff John Garrett secured a decisive victory to continue his service as the county’s top law enforcement official after receiving 64 percent of the vote. Garrett said the election results represent a significant win that allows him to maintain his current role within the community. Garrett said he intends to focus on his […]
White County Budget Approved Despite Flock Debate
The White County Budget Committee debated the future of police camera funding as commissioners weighed privacy concerns against law enforcement wants. The discussion focused on the $25,000 allocated for Flock Safety cameras and pursuit alert contracts. Commissioner TK Austin said he does not trust the system because he believes corporate entities can pay to access […]
ICE Operating In Cumberland, Putnam, Warren And White
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting operations across the Upper Cumberland over the last two days, including arrests in Cookeville, Crossville and McMinnville. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said agents want to locate and arrest specific individuals who are both undocumented and possess significant criminal backgrounds.Farris said the agency is not conducting broad sweeps of […]
Bomb Hoaxes, Calls More Prevalent Thanks To Technology
A Tennessee Tech expert said bomb threats and swatting incidents like those faced by the Putnam County Schools over the last several days are easier than ever through anonymous internet services Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center Assistant Director Regis Billings said these callers often use Voice over IP systems or computerized telephone networks to […]
Retirement And Vacancy Create Van Buren Jail Openings
Van Buren County looking to fill two correctional officer positions following a long-term retirement and a recent vacancy. Jail Administrator Jessica Grissom said the facility operates with specific staffing requirements for both day and night shifts. Grissom said maintaining a full roster is necessary to ensure the facility runs smoothly without setting off the established […]
Police Say Leaving Children In Cars A Criminal Offense
This week’s death of a Monterey infant serves as a reminder of how dangerous leaving children unattended in parked vehicles can be. McMinnville Detective Sergeant Katelyn Neal said children should never be left alone and unsupervised in a parked car. Neal said parents can get distracted, or underestimate the amount of time they will be […]
Reyes Aims To Lead Baxter, Officers Alike
Newly-appointed Baxter Police Chief Al Reyes said he aims to serve the community and his officers alike through his expertise in law enforcement. Reyes said he comes to the position with a lot of life experience, decades in law enforcement experience, and a willingness to help. He said his goals as police chief are to […]
Jackson Crews Set For Attacker Training This Week
Jackson County emergency response teams and law enforcement will participate in three days of active attacker training beginning Monday at Jackson County High School. Public Information Director Derek Woolbright said personnel will learn how to mitigate threats to the public at large, and how to respond in the aftermath of an attack. He said while […]
Overton’s Conatser Named Tennessee SRO Of Year
Overton County School Resource Officer Allen Conatser has been named the Tennessee SRO Of The Year for his work at Wilson Elementary School. Conatser said he has been a detective, a deputy, and worked on K-9 units since starting in law enforcement in 2007. He said being an SRO is the most rewarding title he […]
Farris Asks Commissioners For Expanded Pay Options
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris focused on finding new avenues to improve employee pay in his $21 million fiscal year budget. Farris told the Putnam County Budget Committee Monday night that he plans to introduce education-based pay incentives. He said the program offers pay increases to employees who have completed two years at an accredited […]
