Jim Hodgson answers commissioner

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Some Bradley County commissioners say they’re puzzled about an upcoming shooting contest for sheriff’s department officers.

Commissioner Jim Smith read from a flier announcing the competition at Monday’s commission meeting.

“It says Sheriff Gobble’s Shootout 2008 firearms competition. Pow. Bang. All ammunition furnished,” Mr. Smith read.

“Where are we getting all this ammunition?” Mr. Smith asked.

Commissioner Lisa Stanbery noted that the commission recently amended the sheriff’s department budget to include more money for ammunition.

“I’m wondering if this was the cost of ammunition we moved in the line item or if you all have gotten a sponsor for the event,” Mrs. Stanbery said.

The flier says the ammunition is free and the competition is open to all department employees. Trophies will be awarded.

Sheriff Tim Gobble was not at the meeting. In a telephone interview later Tuesday, the sheriff said shooting competitions are common as part of law enforcement training. The competition is not mandatory but training is, he said.

“They say they don’t want to micromanage,’’ Mr. Gobble said of commissioners. “But they are attempting to use their forum to do just that. It’s just like a few weeks ago when they raised the issue of where we train at the justice center.’’

Mr. Gobble said he will not allow commissioners to micromanage the department.

“I have tried to refrain from saying this, but if they want to be sheriff they can run for the office,’’ he said.

Capt. Jim Hodgson of the sheriff’s department tried to answer questions at Monday’s meeting, though he said he didn’t know any more than what was on the flier.

He said the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and the Tennessee Corrections Institute require annual weapons qualifying. The sheriff’s policy is to qualify three times a year and officers who take part in the competition may qualify there.

But Capt. Hodgson said some officers are opting out of the competition.

“So if a patrolman is on duty and wants to go down there and participate, they can?” Mr. Smith asked.

“I don’t think it’s intended they would all go down there at one time,” Mr. Hodgson said.

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