Clarksville, TN – “Operation Turnaround” has been one of the many accomplishments of the Clarksville Police Department. The program targets troubled youth in the Clarksville area and gets them involved in a myriad of different programs, and depends on the support of local businesses and churches for support.
Recently, there’s been some concern that the program would not be able to accept the assistance of local churches over “church and state” guidelines. Clarksville police chief Al Ansley says that is “not true”.
In an interview with Hank Bonecutter on WJZM 1400 AM’s popular weekend show, “Clarksville in Review”, chief Ansley said his department has always welcomed the support of local churches, but says he has to be careful while he has juveniles in his custody that are assigned to him by the courts.
“Operation Turnaround” is the life of Officer Tony Marshal” said Ansley, “and it makes a huge difference in the lives of the kids he mentors. We have always welcomed the assistance of the business community and rely heavily on the support of the church community, but when the court charges us with their care, then we have to monitor what is said to those juveniles while they’re in our care.”
Ansley went on to say that “The times we live in are changing, and lifestyles are changing, so we have to be sensitive to all beliefs and religions while we’re responsible for the juveniles the court assigns to us.” said Ansley. Ansley said his department is not turning the assistance of the local church away, but the separation of church and state has to be maintained according to the constitution.
The program over the years has organized youth football teams, basketball, cooking and sewing classes, auto body painting and repairs, mentoring classes and more. On occasion you will see Operation Turnaround in downtown Clarksville offering lunch meals featuring Cornish Hens, Barbeque and more.
Officer Marshal says, “These kids just love for someone to pay them some attention”, “it’s something they’ve lacked at home and anything we can do to keep them out of a life of crime is good.” Chief Ansley said that the program is a much needed resource for his department, and local churches play a huge role in setting the example for kids to follow. “I have to make sure that the city is not exposed to controversy when it comes to religious teachings or opinions that might offend families that are my responsibility.” said Ansley. “It’s just the times we live in right now”
If you would like to support Operation Turnaround, please contact Officer Tony Marshall at the Clarksville Police Department at 931.648.0651.
