Lakeway CASA needs volunteers to advocate for abused/neglected children
SEVIERVILLE — Lakeway CASA needs volunteers who will speak up for abused and neglected children in Sevier County. In-person New Volunteer Classes will begin on April 17 at the King Family Library in Sevierville. An application process is required to join the training. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are community members who volunteer with Lakeway CASA. They work with children in the child welfare system who have already experienced abuse or neglect. They meet with children in person at least monthly and provide information to judges that help them make the most well-informed decisions about each child.
Volunteers receive 30 hours of pre-service training. Once training is completed, volunteers devote 10 hours a month to representing the best interests of the children they serve.
TBI releases law-enforcement related death study
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a comprehensive study detailing law enforcement-related deaths that occurred in the state in calendar year 2022.
The report, released in accordance with the requirements in Tennessee Code Annotated §38-10-102, uses established definitions and methodology and provides information qualifying incidents submitted by the state’s law enforcement agencies. Data has been divided into three categories: Deadly Use-of-Force Incidents, Arrest-Related Non-Forcible Deaths, and Deaths in Custody.
Among the report’s findings:
• In 2022, a total of 28 deadly use-of-force incidents occurred in the state, with five incidents reported in both April and December.
• Six of the reported deadly use-of-force incidents occurred in a residence. Nineteen were reported to have occurred in a highway, road, alley, sidewalk, or street.
• White subjects accounted for 60.71% of those killed in deadly use-of-force incidents. Black/African-American subjects accounted for 35.71%.
The full report is available for review on TBI’s website, at tbi.pub/reports.
