Members of the public will soon have an opportunity to post bail for elected officials.
Established in 1984, Chattanooga Crime Stoppers assists the Chattanooga Police Department and law enforcement agencies in all contiguous counties to fight against crime. Community members receive rewards for anonymously providing tips that lead to the arrests of criminals across the region.
The organization does not receive any public funding so all of the money is raised through private efforts.
This year, the board of directors will hold a fundraiser on Oct. 18 at Waterhouse Pavilion with the goal of raising $50,000 to support their efforts for the next three years.
The fundraiser structure involves “posting bail” for elected officials. Those who have agreed to participate are:
n Congressman Chuck Fleischmann
n Sen. Todd Gardenhire
n Sen. Bo Watson
n Representative Mike Carter
n Representative Patsy Hazelwood
n Representative Esther Helton
n Representative Robin Smith
n County Mayor Jim Coppinger
n Hamilton County District
Attorney Neal Pinkston
n Public Defender Steve Smith
n Sheriff Jim Hammond
n Chief Deputy Austin Garrett
n Juvenile Court Judge Gary Behler
n Chattanooga Assistant Police Chief Glenn Scruggs
n Bradley County Sherriff Steve Lawson
Source: Chattanooga Bar Association