Press release from Putnam County Sheriff’s Office:
PUTNAM COUNTY, TN (January 23, 2019): the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Putnam County Justice Center’s increased security protocols may have already saved lives. Court Deputies have seized several weapons so far including: a belt knife, numerous credit card knives and most recently a sword concealed in a cane. The man who brought in the cane has pending felony charges as a result of attempting to take it through the security checkpoint.
Sheriff Eddie Farris appreciates the continued cooperation and support the Sheriff’s Office has received from the community regarding the new security updates.
“I would like to commend all Justice Center professionals and Putnam County’s citizens for their cooperation with our new security measures. Together we are making the Putnam County Justice Center a safer place,” said Sheriff Farris. “Our PCSO Court Deputies continue to impress me.
They have embraced the new technology and put their advanced court security training and skills to good use, as is evidenced by the sheer quantity of weapons that have been confiscated. Those weapons are not simply items. They represent incidents averted. Our Court Deputies and security policies are saving lives.”
PCSO Checkpoint Deputies on average screen between 500-1200 people daily. Last year they screened a total of 94,108 people.
Lieutenant Hall, who supervises the work and training of all Court Security Deputies, says it’s the previous law enforcement experience and interpersonal skills of the Court Security Deputies coupled with the Sheriff’s support and new equipment that has made the difference.
“All of our Checkpoint & Building Security Deputies are former officers with over 200 years of combined law enforcement experience. They have demonstrated a commitment to serve and protect everyone who walks through those (Justice Center) doors. They genuinely care about people and are gifted with extraordinary patience. Yet, they remain friendly and professional even when faced with individuals who are tardy, stressed, disgruntled or simply having a bad day,” says Lieutenant Eric Hall.
When asked about the favorite aspect of work Court Deputies unanimously answered that helping keep people safe is the most rewarding part of their jobs.
“The majority of people entering the courthouse are friendly, law-abiding and respectful. They simply want to conduct their business and leave,” says Court Security Deputy Robert Errick.
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Media contact:
Laura Hull, PIO
sheriffpio@putnamcountytn.gov