Chief Watson lauds his team, public

4:28 p.m. update: This just posted at Tennessean.com: http://tinyurl.com/BWqbarrested

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'We want to try to send a message,' and that message is: If you're crossing into Brentwood to commit a crime, you're 'making a big mistake.'
-- Police Chief Ricky Watson

Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson didn't get to bed until almost 2 a.m. Monday morning. He had it easy.
Not so his detectives. "They didn't turn in until about 4 a.m.," he told me Monday night in an interview at the Brentwood Municipal Center, headquarters of the 72-member department he oversees.
He and his staff worked into the wee hours Monday, work that resulted in the arrests of three individuals charged with an attempted burglary Sunday afternoon in Hillview Estates. During the investigation, items were discovered linking the suspects to more than 15 other burglaries in Brentwood, south Nashville and elsewhere in Williamson County. More charges are expected.
"We are very fortunate here," Watson said. "It took a real team effort, from dispatchers to officers to the detectives. All of them turned out."
It was the second day his staff turned out in force.
On Saturday, one of the most visible police actions in recent history took place near the busy intersection of Franklin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard. Both Brentwood and Metro police officers responded after a burglary in process call was made to 911. Two suspects were discovered in a nearby abandoned home.
Asked why so many units responded, Watson said "We're going to send everyone we can. We want to try to send a message." And that message is: If you're crossing into Brentwood to commit a crime, you're "making a big mistake."

It takes teamwork
Watson was quick to share credit with the Metro Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff's Department, the Tennessee Department of Safety and others who contributed to the investigations and responses over the weekend.
He also gave a nod to what he termed a "triangle of law enforcement," the police, local district attorneys and judges who work together to make sure justice is served.
The recent arrests do not mean Brentwood residents should get complacent, the chief said. He believes at least one other set of burglars remains on the prowl, and the number of car burglaries continues to rise.
"We need the eyes of the public to help us, help everyone be safe," he said.
Later Monday night, he told city commissioners that the public plays an important role in fighting crime. "We need that immediate call," he said if suspicious activity is witnessed. "Don't call two hours later."

New automated alert system
Parents with children in Williamson County Schools are familiar with getting automated telephone calls when schools close for inclement weather or if a PTO meeting is coming up, but west Brentwood residents were surprised Sunday afternoon to receive an automated warning call from the police department. It stated that three suspects were being sought in the area and gave descriptions of each.
It was the first time the department had utilized the city system, available when emergencies arise.
He told the commissioners that public response to the call was mostly positive, though a few people complained or wanted more information.
"One hundred percent of the bugs aren't worked out yet," he said. For instance, "one call went to one person in Nolensville." Residents who use Vonage or other alternative phone services may not have received the message.
Before stepping away from the podium, the chief shared one last thought to the board.
"I want to offer an apology for being in sandals and shorts with my pistol in hand," he said of his appearance at the abandoned home on Old Hickory. "I was close by and responded directly."
Given the arrests at the end of the day, not to mention the ones that followed Sunday, the board members just laughed. No one seemed to mind.