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Bradley officers get community feedback

By: Randall Higgins
(Contact)

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Tim Gobble

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The top brass at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department spent their Saturday seeking out gathering places and asking the public how the department is doing.

Based on a similar program used by the Washington, D.C, Police Department, Sheriff Tim Gobble asked all officers who are administrators, lieutenants and higher to spend the day just talking to people at community gatherings to those enjoying the day under their front yard shade trees.

The dozen officers met at the county sheriff’s department before starting their day.

“I know you are out there anyway,” Mr. Gobble told them. “But having a special day kind of formalizes it. ... Just go where the people are.”

He did ask that they make a point of talking with patrol officers during the day. If any officer needed backup, he said to help but don’t take over the call.

“Direct traffic. Do whatever is needed,” he said.

Then the sheriff and Chief Deputy Bill Dyer were off on their own patrol, doubling up to save gasoline.

Their first stop was the county farmers market. As they milled through the crowd buying and selling fresh fruits and vegetables, Sheriff Gobble and Chief Dyer were asked about extra patrols in some neighborhoods, told about neighborhoods with speeding problems and even some suspicious behavior.

And some residents just shrugged and said everything seemed okay to them.

There were stops at two neighborhood stores, in the Prospect and McDonald communities, and at Mt. Olive Church of God where kids and families were gathered for a day of fun.

Saturday was all about community policing, Chief Dyer said.

“It’s all about familiarity,” he said. “People get to know you and then they don’t mind flagging you down so much to tell you about their concerns.”

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