The Bradley County Law Enforcement Committee convened on September 12, 2025, to address several key issues affecting local law enforcement operations and funding. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the daily reimbursement rates for housing federal inmates, which have become a point of contention. Currently, Bradley County receives $64 per federal inmate, significantly lower than neighboring counties that receive up to $90. Committee members expressed concern over this disparity and discussed plans to renegotiate the contract to secure a more equitable rate.
The conversation shifted to the recent increase in daily reimbursement rates from $38 to $41, with additional funds available for achieving accreditation. However, there were concerns that the new rates had not been reflected in recent payments, prompting the committee to reach out to the Department of Corrections for clarification and resolution. The committee emphasized the importance of timely payments and the need for effective communication with state agencies to ensure that funding aligns with the services provided.
In addition to financial discussions, the committee reviewed recent crime statistics released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Notably, Bradley County reported a burglary clearance rate of 60.9% and an impressive 96.2% clearance rate for aggravated assaults. Overall, the total crime clearance rate stood at 78.1%, positioning Bradley County among the top performers in the state. Committee members highlighted the dedication of local law enforcement personnel in achieving these results and encouraged the public to review the statistics available on the TBI website.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring funding negotiations and to keep the community informed about law enforcement efforts and achievements. The committee plans to follow up on the progress of the contract negotiations and the resolution of payment issues in future meetings.