Authorities Investigating Body Found In Baxter
Authorities investigating the death of 53-year old James Russell Solomon, after his body was discovered in Baxter. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said authorities received a call around 5:30pm about a body found off of Bryant Ridge Road in Baxter. Farris said the body has been sent to Nashville for an autopsy and that the […]
Putnam Expanded Jail Set For Thursday Open
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is set to open the new 130,000-square-foot jail addition this week. County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the staff is excited to open the expanded facility. Farris said the facility should help improve conditions for inmates, per state law, caused by overcrowding. “We have been notoriously low as far as inmate […]
Putnam Sheriff Registering For Citizens Academy
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is set to kick off its yearly Citizens Academy which gives residents insight on the department’s day-to-day operations. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the program gives first-hand experience in investigations, patrols, dispatch, jail tours, police car rides, and shooting police firearms. Farris said this is one of many ways […]
New Law Classifies Cyberbullying As Misdemeanor
A new Tennessee law now in effect classifies cyberbullying as a form of harassment. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the law is meant to provide a safe learning environment where students are not afraid of physical harm or other fears brought on by cyberbullying. He said some people see certain acts of cyberbullying as […]
Putnam Commissioners Approve Work Release Program
The Putnam County Sheriffs Department will launch a new work release program when the expanded jail opens. Putnam County Commissioners approved the program Monday night. Sheriff Eddie Farris said up to 30 inmates could participate. He said inmates could either qualify to continue working existing jobs and serve time at night, or be selected to […]
Putnam Sheriff Hopes For $3M In US Marshal Contract
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department could make up to $3 million yearly in a contract with the U.S. Marshal’s Office to house federal inmates. Sheriff Eddie Farris said the completed agreement sets aside some 110 beds for federal inmates at $75 a day. He said as the county grows, a higher inmate population will not […]
Sheriff Pushing For New Inmate Work Program
Putnam County Commissioners will consider a new work release program for inmates who wish to gain employment while incarcerated. Sheriff Eddie Farris said the jail renovations are designed to allow this type of program. He said the department would receive an administrative fee from participating businesses and another chunk of the money inmates earn would […]
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 […]
5 Inmates Overdose From Fentanyl, Heroine In Putnam Jail
Five female inmates overdosed in the Putnam County Jail after illegal drugs were smuggled into the facility. Sheriff Eddie Farris said fentanyl and heroine were involved in the incident. Farris said the presence of fentanyl has led to a much higher rate of overdosing compared to the other drugs that have been smuggled into jails […]
Putnam Sheriff Offering Classes For Retired Officers
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department will hold a firearm certification course for retired law enforcement at the Department’s training facility in Baxter. Sheriff Eddie Farris said 2004 legislation allows retired officers to carry a firearm anywhere in the United States by participating in annual training. He said the Department is proud to offer resources and […]
