Pubdate: Thu, 24 Jan 2002
Source: Cleveland Daily Banner (TN)
Website: http://www.clevelandbanner.com
Address: P.O. Box 3600 Cleveland, TN 37320-3600
Contact:  2002 Cleveland Daily Banner
Fax: (423) 476-1046
Author: Dennis R. Upkins, Banner Staff Writer

PROBATION PROGRAM CONSIDERED BY COUNTY TO GENERATE REVENUE

Bradley County may have an opportunity to receive additional revenue.

On Tuesday, Bradley County commissioners were proposed with a misdemeanor 
probation program during the regular commission meeting at the courthouse.

"Bradley County is one of the only counties in this part of the state that 
doesn't have a misdemeanor probation program," said Gary Davis, county 
executive.

Davis also added that a misdemeanor probation program would reduce the 
burden in the court clerk's office and prevent future jail crowding, 
especially when the new Justice Center is built.

Craig Turner, co-founder of Tennessee Correctional Services, says that the 
company offers various programs which would help alleviate many of the 
problems in Bradley County courts including a local office with local 
employees, enhanced public safety and no cost to county taxpayers for the 
services provided.

Turner also says that collection rates usually increase 44 percent in 
counties where his company operates.

"Bradley County can expect a 44 percent increase in revenue in 12 to 18 
months," Turner said in his presentation.

Turner revealed that the company can also offer other services, such as 
behavior schools for DUI, drug and domestic violence offenders and 
electronically monitored house arrests. In addition, the services are 
funded from a $35 fee charged to offenders and from fees charged for 
special services such as the schools.

Davis strongly encouraged the commission to consider Tennessee Correctional 
Services or another misdemeanor probation program similar to it.

The County Commission will meet for a special work session on Monday at 7 
p.m. at the new Walker Valley High School.
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