Dispatchers Replace Judges to Sign Warrants

In an amazing twist, Bradley County (Tenn.) 911 dispatchers have been authorized to sign arrest warrants after court hours, operating as a “neutral and detached” party when officers submit applications for arrests. The arrangement will only last until July 31st, when the court clerk will again begin 24-hour service. State law requires officers to make a sworn statement in front of a magistrate, judicial commissioner or court clerk to determine probable cause for warrants. Dispatchers received training on determining probable cause, and they could be handling 15 applications each day from the Charleston and Cleveland Police Departments. Read more about the situation here, including whether the dispatchers can truly be “neutral and detached.”