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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl