Sheriff Says Run Gangs Out of Town, Or Bury 'em

[Police Moderator]

Hammond Says Aim Is To Run Gang Members Out Of Town, Put Them In Jail Or "Send Them To The Funeral Home"
Cites Need For $30 Million New Jail, $8 Million New Shooting Range
posted January 13, 2012

Sheriff Jim Hammond told members of the Brainerd Kiwanis Club on Friday it is time for a get-tough stance with local gang members.

He said, "We need to run them out of town, put them in jail, or send them to the funeral home."

The sheriff said if the gang violence continues, many will no longer be willing to go downtown. He also said it is a threat to continued economic growth and tourism here.

He said, "If we are going to stop this, we are going to have to have a real hard-nose attitude."

Sheriff Hammond said he believes that 80 percent of the county "is very safe." He said that number may go down if the gangs spread out.

Read more: chattanoogan

[professorx]

Jan 13, 2012 17:56:06 GMT -5 Police Moderator said:

Hammond Says Aim Is To Run Gang Members Out Of Town, Put Them In Jail Or "Send Them To The Funeral Home"
Cites Need For $30 Million New Jail, $8 Million New Shooting Range
posted January 13, 2012

Sheriff Jim Hammond told members of the Brainerd Kiwanis Club on Friday it is time for a get-tough stance with local gang members.

He said, "We need to run them out of town, put them in jail, or send them to the funeral home."

The sheriff said if the gang violence continues, many will no longer be willing to go downtown. He also said it is a threat to continued economic growth and tourism here.

He said, "If we are going to stop this, we are going to have to have a real hard-nose attitude."

Sheriff Hammond said he believes that 80 percent of the county "is very safe." He said that number may go down if the gangs spread out.

Read more: chattanoogan

I like the proactive approach toward violent crime, but what will be the sheriff's role? Isn't this more of a CPD issue?

Is a metro police force, an idea I like more everyday, coming soon?

[Half-Tard]

Same plan the Mayor has just shut down everything in town they'll move on and be some other cities problem. Ie we got nothing but sound bytes. Wish the LE had some balls in this town.

[pictureman]

Am I wrong to support the Sheriff in this case? I think he's definitely on the right track.

As for "balls", the LEOs I've met got 'em, even the females. As is almost always the case, the problem lies with "Senior Management" (the level above Chief & Sheriff).


I don't suppose Sheriff Hammond has any interest in running for Mayor...

[professorx]

Jan 14, 2012 16:20:45 GMT -5 pictureman said:

Am I wrong to support the Sheriff in this case? I think he's definitely on the right track.

As for "balls", the LEOs I've met got 'em, even the females. As is almost always the case, the problem lies with "Senior Management" (the level above Chief & Sheriff).


I don't suppose Sheriff Hammond has any interest in running for Mayor...

Again, I like his aggressive attitude toward gangs, but what's his point? What role does he or the sheriff's department play? Are the sheriffs deputies now going to patrol the known gang areas covered by the Chattanooga Police Department?

What is the relevance unless he is running for mayor in the future, or the police and sheriffs departments combine into a metro police department?

When did Chattanooga get gangs, we didn't even have gangs a few years ago???

If we do have gangs, I like the law enforcement approach rather than hiring expensive consultants... How many new officers could be had with the money that could be used on consultants? How much police overtime could be paid with the same money that could be used on consultants?

We were worried about paying for police vehicles just a year ago, now there is a surplus to hire gang consultants that are probably more social worker based than law enforcement based?

I propose a easy solution:

1. Put police in known gang areas

2. Every-time a known gang affiliate is riding around and breaks ANY traffic or vehicular offense, have them pulled over. Write tickets for any and all traffic offense, narcotics violation, weapons violation, seat belt violation. Make it miserable for the criminals to live in Chattanooga. Treat assholes like what they are.

3. When they go to court, vigorously seek convictions for as much as possible.

4. When convicted keep them in jail for the time they were convicted for.

I would guess that 1-3 might be happening already, and steps 3 and 4 are where the plan falls apart.

[Police Moderator]

Are the sheriffs deputies now going to patrol the known gang areas covered by the Chattanooga Police Department?

Yes, and have been for some time.

The Jail has it's own Gang Unit and has had it for even longer.

1-3 have been done for years by the LE side.

You've found where the breakdown is.

[luvtoclimb]

Can we not charge these known gang members as domestic terrorist under the patriot act?

[Police Moderator]

Can we not charge these known gang members as domestic terrorist under the patriot act?

I doubt it. Good idea, though.

How the USA PATRIOT Act redefines "Domestic Terrorism"

Section 802 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-52) expanded the definition of terrorism to cover ""domestic,"" as opposed to international, terrorism. A person engages in domestic terrorism if they do an act ""dangerous to human life"" that is a violation of the criminal laws of a state or the United States, if the act appears to be intended to: (i) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination or kidnapping. Additionally, the acts have to occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States and if they do not, may be regarded as international terrorism.

Section 802 does not create a new crime of domestic terrorism. However, it does expand the type of conduct that the government can investigate when it is investigating ""terrorism."" The USA PATRIOT Act expanded governmental powers to investigate terrorism, and some of these powers are applicable to domestic terrorism.

The definition of domestic terrorism is broad enough to encompass the activities of several prominent activist campaigns and organizations. Greenpeace, Operation Rescue, Vieques Island and WTO protesters and the Environmental Liberation Front have all recently engaged in activities that could subject them to being investigated as engaging in domestic terrorism.

One recent example is the Vieques Island protests, when many people, including several prominent Americans, participated in civil disobedience on a military installation where the United States government has been engaging in regular military exercises, which these protesters oppose. The protesters illegally entered the military base and tried to obstruct the bombing exercises. This conduct would fall within the definition of domestic terrorism because the protesters broke federal law by unlawfully entering the airbase and their acts were for the purpose of influencing a government policy by intimidation or coercion. The act of trying to disrupt bombing exercises arguably created a danger to human life - their own and those of military personnel. Using this hypothetical as a starting point, we will go through the USA PATRIOT Act and explore the new governmental powers that could be brought to bear on Vieques Island protesters whose conduct falls within the overbroad definition of domestic terrorism.

Read more: aclu.org

More: USA PATRIOT Act (H.R. 3162)

[LimitedRecourse]

We arrest these thugs constantly. Keeping them behind bars is the problem. An example: dude can shoot someone, get out on bon and then shoot someone else. Because our judges believe "everyone is entitled to get bond" they then allow them to BOND OUT AGAIN on the second charge, even though the conditions of the FIRST bond are that the bonded person stay out of legal trouble. Makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER to allow someone bond who commits more crime while already out on bond. The FIRST BOND should be revoked, which legally negates their opportunity for a second bond on the new charges.

[Justin Thyme]

We arrest these thugs constantly.

Maybe we should be asking why we have such an abundant supply of thugs. Surely there is some point where a child becomes a thug and a reason for them taking up thuggery. Maybe that's where we need to be concentrating, stopping that moment from occurring.

[ssmynkint]

Birth control.

[ohwell]

I say the parents are equally responsible for the "children". Send them to jail and make it a long, long sentence. When the stupid, idiotic parents are educated, maybe their children will behave differently. But, finally, thank you for admitting that Chattanooga has a gang problem. Yes, send them to the funeral home - where they have sent others.

[Tsavodiner]

Jan 16, 2012 14:02:29 GMT -5 LimitedRecourse said:

We arrest these thugs constantly. Keeping them behind bars is the problem. An example: dude can shoot someone, get out on bon and then shoot someone else. Because our judges believe "everyone is entitled to get bond" they then allow them to BOND OUT AGAIN on the second charge, even though the conditions of the FIRST bond are that the bonded person stay out of legal trouble. Makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER to allow someone bond who commits more crime while already out on bond. The FIRST BOND should be revoked, which legally negates their opportunity for a second bond on the new charges.

You're right, too, but some relic from the sixties would complain on you to the Court of the Judiciiary if you did, then you'd get admonished for calling somebody a "cockroach" or some such--
--Hank just needs to STFU

[Tsavodiner]

Jan 14, 2012 0:58:13 GMT -5 Half-Tard said:

Same plan the Mayor has just shut down everything in town they'll move on and be some other cities problem. Ie we got nothing but sound bytes. Wish the LE had some balls in this town.

Think you've already seen MINE, acehole, and I'm NOT shaving them for your comfort

[ssmynkint]

but some relic from the sixties would complain on you to the Court of the Judiciiary if you did

Superfluous, Tsavo. Us old(er) farts-not you, youngster-think they're cockroaches too. Unfortunately, some, including the too-young-to-be-sixties Mr Cook, think they are only cockroaches because of the evils of society instead of their own cockroachieness.

[ohwell]

Ask yourself and do research. How much does it cost to keep a convicted MURDER - KILLER alive?? It cost three times that much to educate a child. Which is more important? Which citizen do we need more. Wake up and smell the roses before the convicted killer is let lose and murders you because the young people in your neighborhood aren't educated enough to protect you.

[JC]

Jan 16, 2012 14:02:29 GMT -5 LimitedRecourse said:

We arrest these thugs constantly. Keeping them behind bars is the problem. An example: dude can shoot someone, get out on bon and then shoot someone else. Because our judges believe "everyone is entitled to get bond" they then allow them to BOND OUT AGAIN on the second charge, even though the conditions of the FIRST bond are that the bonded person stay out of legal trouble. Makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER to allow someone bond who commits more crime while already out on bond. The FIRST BOND should be revoked, which legally negates their opportunity for a second bond on the new charges.

Locking 3 EMS employees up for life over a prank is way more important then locking up gangs.

Sheesh.... wake up and smell the coffee, LR

[el Gusano]

Jan 16, 2012 18:36:35 GMT -5 ohwell said:

I say the parents are equally responsible for the "children". Send them to jail and make it a long, long sentence. When the stupid, idiotic parents are educated, maybe their children will behave differently.

I agree in principle, however, we now live in a society in which you can't give a minor an aspirin, but you can take them to kill their unborn child for the sake of convenience; you can't keep scores at kids' games because someone's feelings might get hurt; you can't spank your child; you have no control over your child without the government destroying your parental rights.

Lock up the politicians that enabled this sort of behavior, then whoever is left might make some common sense decisions.

[LimitedRecourse]

I don't drink coffee.

[gridbug]

Jan 16, 2012 15:29:41 GMT -5 ssmynkint said:

Birth control.

Some call that "eugenics" and think it is a bad thing. It's costing NC a lot of money now.

[frayne56]

Hammond just verbalized what 80% of the public thinks already. If the crime is black on black, then the leaders and families in the black community need to step up to the plate and take some action to stop this insanity. If they don't then Hammond's comments may become reality.

[Justin Thyme]

Personally, I believe as long as we view it as the black community and the white community rather than our community the problem never will be solved.

[frayne56]

Jan 17, 2012 16:31:20 GMT -5 Justin Thyme said:

Personally, I believe as long as we view it as the black community and the white community rather than our community the problem never will be solved.

As a member of the white community what can I do to help eliminate this problem ? I have worked my whole life, raised my children and got them college educations and thankfully they are productive members of society today. How can I help ?

[Tsavodiner]

You've done your job, and fulfilled every moral duty to your God, your Family, and mankind in general.

I don't know who else appreciates it, but I DO! If everybody did, we'd have a better world.

I thank you for paying taxes and putting up with our shortcomings in the most free nation this Earth has ever or will ever produce. If you're inclined to volunteerism, the Big Brothers and Sisters organization is wonderful and in dire need of help. I like to help the Salvation Army when I can.

In the end, though, perhaps what's most important are your PRAYERS. Keep 'em coming.

[ssmynkint]

Right Tsavo.
But I think actions speak louder then prayers, and you suggest good actions.
Political correctness aside, it is, in Chattanooga, the black portion of our community. That does not lessen the need for our (white) help and proactive involvement..

[pictureman]

I, for one, don't give a rat's patootie if the thugs take turns sending each other to that great Meth Lab in the Sky; saves the taxpayer some cash so we can invest in more blue rhinos. The worst part is when those ignorant SOBs start slinging lead at random shooting up houses and children. That's when I'm ready for the Sheriff to step in and proceed to Step Three of his program.

When cockroaches discover that you've left food out and don't do anything to deter their activities, they move in and multiply to the point where it's often impossible to get rid of them.

[Deleted]

> I don't drink coffee.

Communist! Vitamin C is important!

[Police Moderator]

I don't drink coffee.

Hater.

Hammond just verbalized what 80% of the public thinks already.

Amen. 80% of the public believes it and it is 100% true. I like it.

If the crime is black on black, then the leaders and families in the black community need to step up to the plate and take some action to stop this insanity.

I think all leaders need to step up and seek out and support the righteous leaders of other communities (not the ones who call themselves leaders and then simply follow).

That would be a nice start.

[el Gusano]

Jan 17, 2012 16:31:20 GMT -5 Justin Thyme said:

Personally, I believe as long as we view it as the black community and the white community rather than our community the problem never will be solved.

I helped my friend and his family move.

His daughter came in and said, "Oh, no, I think the neighbors are black!"

I said, "Wait a minute, you're black".

"Yes, but we don't act black."

Until more blacks quit "acting black", there will be a black community and a white community and the problem will never be solved.

[Police Moderator]

Relationship Between Police, Black Community “Toxic,” NAACP Members Say
Anti-Gang Initiative Can’t Succeed If Sheriff Hammond And Other Law Enforcement Aren’t On Board, NAACP Members Say
by Judy Frank
posted January 17, 2012

It sounds good when local officials say they want to solve the gang problem, members of the NAACP said Tuesday evening, but how can they even hope to succeed when even Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and other law enforcement officials don’t support the initiative?

Recently, the sheriff said publicly that his approach to gang members is to run them out of town, put them in jail or “send them to the funeral home,” members reminded the city's new gang czar Boyd Patterson during a meeting at the Glenwood Recreation Center.

That doesn’t sound like the sheriff or law enforcement officials in general have any interest in initiatives aimed at solving the gang problem before it begins by giving young people other options, Mr. Patterson, who is on loan from the district attorney's office, was told.

Other members concurred, noting that the current relationship between the black community and law enforcement is “toxic.” The police department itself is symptomatic of the problem, they said.

Read more: chattanoogan

Who wants to jump 'On board' a sinking ship?

No thanks.