Hamilton County, TN – Yesterday, January 31st, Chief Deputy Allen Branum and members of the HCSO conducted the 8th HCSO LAWS Program at Ooltewah Middle School. Also participating in yesterday’s event was Chattanooga Judge Russell Bean.

Judge Bean spoke to the class on the importance of driver’s safety and how the court system functions.

The Sheriff’s LAWS Program stands for "Law Enforcement Actively Working in Schools" and is a new initiative created by Sheriff Jim Hammond to increase law enforcement’s presence in our local schools in cooperation with the many programs already underway as part of the HCSO School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.

During yesterday's event, students participated in a mock traffic stop and got to don a gun belt and bullet proof vest as they learned how deputies properly and safely pull over vehicles that are speeding or suspicious in nature.

Yesterday's topics included the history of the Sheriff's Office, what Sheriff's offices are responsible for, and various discussions over what to do if you are pulled over, and issues young people may have to deal with as they pertain to law enforcement. The students also learned about issues pertaining to social media and internet security. The program concluded with Chief Deputy Branum and several other law enforcement personnel touring the school and speaking with school administrators.

Special thanks to Ooltewah Middle School HCSO SRO Kyle Henegar and the staff and students at Ooltewah Middle School for allowing the HCSO to come and visit and conduct the LAWS Program.