The Tennessee POST Commission convened on November 2, 2024, to address the case of a former Collierville police officer, Mr. Smith, who was terminated following an internal investigation into his conduct. The commission reviewed a settlement agreement that includes a one-year settlement for Mr. Smith, who has already been out of law enforcement for two years.
The investigation stemmed from an incident involving dash camera footage that revealed Mr. Smith had run over a center median. Initially, he failed to report this incident accurately, claiming ignorance about the damage caused to town property. However, upon reviewing the footage and speaking with witnesses, it became evident that he had applied his brakes before hitting the median, suggesting he was aware of the incident.
The Collierville Police Department cited Mr. Smith for truthfulness issues related to his report and for inaccuracies in his patrol logs from that night. The commission is now tasked with deciding whether to accept the proposed settlement based on the facts presented during the hearing.
This case highlights the importance of accountability within law enforcement and the ongoing efforts to maintain integrity in police reporting. The commission's decision will have implications not only for Mr. Smith but also for the standards upheld by law enforcement agencies in Tennessee.