In a tense informal hearing held by the Tennessee POST Commission on November 2, 2024, a former Tennessee Highway Patrol officer faced scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, including the controversial practice of "ghost stops." The officer, who resigned earlier this year, admitted to making two planned traffic stops for personal reasons but denied engaging in ghost stops during his tenure.

The hearing revealed a complex narrative as the officer acknowledged past mistakes, including driving violations and inappropriate use of social media while on duty. He expressed regret for his actions but maintained that he did not believe he had committed any illegal acts. "I don't feel like anything I've done is ethically wrong, morally wrong or illegal," he stated, despite acknowledging that speeding and using a phone while driving were indeed violations.

Commissioners pressed the officer on the implications of ghost stops—where officers falsely report traffic stops to inflate activity metrics. He conceded that while he could not recall specific instances of such behavior, he was aware of its occurrence among peers. "I can't say for sure... but I'm sure that I have," he admitted, highlighting the troubling ambiguity surrounding his past conduct.

The officer's resignation was framed as a response to personal challenges, including a house fire and alleged harassment from superiors, rather than the ongoing investigation into his actions. He emphasized that his decision to leave was unrelated to the allegations being discussed.

As the hearing progressed, the officer's explanations were met with skepticism from the commission, particularly regarding his use of police resources and the potential breach of protocol when sharing information with friends during traffic stops. "You understand how that presents some problems?" one commissioner pointedly asked, to which the officer responded that he had not considered the implications at the time.

The outcome of this hearing remains uncertain, but the discussions have raised significant concerns about accountability and integrity within the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The commission's deliberations will likely influence future policies and oversight measures aimed at restoring public trust in law enforcement practices.