JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – For the last several years the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office has received funds from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) DUI Grant. These funds are provided to aid law enforcement in the enforcement of alcohol and drug related crimes. Through this grant the sheriff’s office can purchase equipment and pay overtime to deputies for specific tasks related to the enforcement of drug and alcohol laws.

For the 2020-21 grant cycle the sheriff’s office was able to purchase equipment such as laptops, flashlights, a camera system for one K9 patrol unit, and equip one patrol unit with emergency equipment such as lights and sirens. These funds saved taxpayers approximately $19,000 in equipment costs.

In addition, the grant will fund approximately 825 hours of overtime pay to deputies to specifically patrol areas to prevent and enforce impaired driving, saving the taxpayers another $19,000 in overtime costs. This averages around 16 hours per week and the sheriff’s office tries to use these hours in the most efficient way possible. The sheriff’s office grant administrator works with staff to strategically schedule extra patrol on holiday weekends, expected busy weekends, in areas that have a high likelihood of DUI related crimes, and in response to citizen complaints or tips. 

This past weekend four deputies were placed in strategic locations, such as Highway 63 towards Scott County, Elk Valley into Newcomb and Jellico, and Highway 25W in the Morley, White Oak, and Duff areas, in response to citizens tips concerning impaired ATV drivers and violations of ATV riding laws. During the weekend’s saturation, deputies stopped multiple ATV’s and vehicles and several citations were issued for various traffic offenses. Several drivers were issued warnings only as deputies attempted to provide education regarding ATV riding laws in Campbell County. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/21/2021-6AM)