PDF: Sheriff annexation

After receiving several questions about deputies patrolling areas targeted for annexation by Chattanooga, Sheriff Jim Hammond wants to set the record straight.

"The sheriff wants to assure the citizens in the proposed annexation areas that he has no intention of abandoning any services to them, and Hamilton County deputies will continue to patrol and service these areas until annexation takes place, if it does," said G.A. Bennett, director of support services for the sheriff's office.

Sheriff's deputies patrol Ramsgate, Big Ridge, parts of Ooltewah and Collegedale and an area east of Morris Hill Road -- all areas marked for Phase 1 in the city's annexation plan. Deputies also patrol Hurricane Creek, Stonewall Farms, Windstone, a commercial area along Highway 58 and an unoccupied area on the side of Lookout Mountain, some of which are marked for Phase 2.

Six lawsuits have been filed against areas in the first phase of annexation, with the exception of the Cummings Cove area, which is incorporated into the city and patrolled by city officers.

Only after annexation occurs and city officers assume patrol will the sheriff move deputies to bolster other unincorporated areas in the county, he said.

The sheriff has said that, while he has jurisdiction over all parts of the county, he'll put patrol in the areas not being serviced by other departments such as Chattanooga's. About 10 deputies could potentially move if annexation occurs, he has said.

"Lawsuits will delay the outcome and final dates of annexation for these areas and will determine when we will discontinue our services there," Sheriff Hammond said.

Deputies will continue to back up city officers, he said, and other divisions that cross jurisdictional lines -- narcotics, fugitive, criminal investigation and marine -- will not be affected.

"The safety and well-being of our citizens will always be Job One for me," the sheriff said.