[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6634204,"mediaKeyId","3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150","parentId",3339265,"title","POST accepts settlement dismissing decertification proceeding for former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper","audioSeconds",506,"startMs",3533000,"endMs",4039000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150&start=3533&end=4039","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150/thumbnail_3533000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634204/Tennessee/POST-accepts-settlement-dismissing-decertification-proceeding-for-former-Tennessee-Highway-Patrol-trooper","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634204-3b164cb5fec8368f36f816042cef530f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510313&Signature=AfqLnIQYDrrW6dJ15FL9zHiC8rmrRAtsJQSnYGvV24Vp88nTD8ROGHhxunOZblpsKm~i2j-YyySnTpZR4fIe6nQ~Ue6OAd7GK1LwhHi9Jdvbe33FmI9qzGhZwcKLmOwynJEdMG1gc-xRZrmCpCv2B7twjZZbXcjfU6~lkAQoETl-bdyYmCcvN344~8nrXua4rCHhpdqt0AEP-LtH-MQ9ZkiuA7LCJ2iYf8vdiI292ke9TwnbYelX2NOGPpoe3Qpk4pX18tvRLfIM536I5GQjhzmDbMDl9-5IXZR3JHoW~6jGgPjE63q8f7uRebZQPiLKV1jdFBD3C1MQ6Z3MHHGJPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Commerce & Insurance","date","2025-05-17T03:35:49Z","article","The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission voted to accept a settlement offer that resulted in dismissal of a pending decertification action against Joshua Clyde McNeil, a former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper.

Ben Boston, an attorney representing McNeil, outlined a history that included an extra‑marital indiscretion alleged to have occurred in 2018 and investigated by the Highway Patrol in 2020, which led to McNeil’s termination in March 2021. Boston submitted character references and said McNeil has since been employed by municipal agencies, disclosed the Highway Patrol termination to subsequent employers, and received generally positive performance reports. The respondent also provided letters of support from local officials and law enforcement supervisors.

The administrative law judge had been assigned and the matter had proceeded through pre‑hearing steps; Boston said the respondent offered multiple proposed settlement terms in a multi‑option submission. After discussion, a commissioner moved to accept the first proposed option, which dismissed the decertification proceeding. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Prosecutors or a district attorney’s office had not filed charges in the matter, and commissioners who reviewed the informal packet said the absence of criminal charges and the letter from the local sheriff weighing in favor of the respondent influenced their deliberations.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)
- topicintro: block_id=\"3473.96\" local_start=0 local_end=14 evidence_excerpt:\"So an offer for Joshua Clyde McNeil, commission to consider a settlement offer regarding the certification request form, mister McNeil.\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"4030.9849\" local_start=0 local_end=8 evidence_excerpt:\"All in favor of the motion, say aye.\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TN POST Commission Meeting May 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After testimony and character references, the commission accepted a settlement offer and dismissed a pending decertification matter related to former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper Joshua Clyde McNeil.","taxTitle","Commerce & Insurance, Deparments in Office of the Governor, Organizations, Executive, Tennessee","taxId",17379,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6634208,"POST approves 12‑month agreed probation for Johnson City officer after NCIC misuse",282,2964000,3246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150&start=2964&end=3246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150/thumbnail_2964000.jpg","/articles/6634208/Tennessee/POST-approves-12month-agreed-probation-for-Johnson-City-officer-after-NCIC-misuse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634208-7dd6b29e7782455d03dfcfeb4b9bebd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510313&Signature=fwmCF82W5DUaN-fhmH-Yl1MHkawzTPJUBEKT1GBeNA48WUcrXCcGRkS1iw3V0RXGT4xbKJkn9QO~9wvSKEVodTG4VhETNgewuJOKqSrKxKzM9pgdwGx--I9mWIXEK36THSYmYMnqxF-pIxiXkoaplvpkxLNavByxquaynu1AA6pAMNmRsLnqET0pRv1EIbGXONPgnmYWPbPDXs4pcVcDVMHSZIMFxp9jVNyNaAye0T5MCPjnN0C~EUBTjAc8UYP0jmzWHE4o2pIdcv7MvLz-QoYh-dVVtN6KaNyIsQ8wHimJrnHVbtfign0MFoWZ5-DMbgwajJA0Lx4ah5DAoaWGXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee POST on May 16 approved an agreed order placing Kelly Elizabeth Young on a 12‑month probationary certification after an informal hearing recommended probation rather than decertification.

Post staff said Young was employed by the Johnson City Police Department from Jan. 1, 2021, until she resigned in lieu of termination on Jan. 31, 2025. The agreed order was presented to the commission on April 29, 2025, and would require monthly updates during the probationary period. Commissioners on the informal committee said they struggled with the case because post‑investigative findings indicated Young accessed the NCIC database multiple times in what a committee member described as “almost, like, a stalking situation.”

The transcript records that Young was contrite and apologetic; some commissioners said the sheriff’s letter supporting her and a lack of criminal charges by the district attorney’s office influenced their vote. One commissioner described the action as a compromise by the informal committee in lieu of outright decertification.

A motion to approve the agreed order was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. Commissioners noted that if Young were to leave her current employing agency, her certification would terminate with her departure and the probationary monitoring would end.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)
- topicintro: block_id=\"2964.56\" local_start=0 local_end=8 evidence_excerpt:\"Agreed order of probation for Kelly Elizabeth Young. Miss Young was employed by the Johnson City Police Department from 01/01/2021 until she resigned in lieu of termination on 01/31/2025.\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"3244.19\" local_start=0 local_end=14 evidence_excerpt:\"I was expecting the motion, say aye. Leave them soon.\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","The commission approved a 12‑month agreed order of probation for Kelly Elizabeth Young, a former Johnson City Police Department officer who resigned in lieu of termination after accessing NCIC records without authorization.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6634213,"POST grants waivers to allow three applicants to change or re‑attempt academy attendance",325,1545000,1870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150&start=1545&end=1870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150/thumbnail_1545000.jpg","/articles/6634213/Tennessee/POST-grants-waivers-to-allow-three-applicants-to-change-or-reattempt-academy-attendance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634213-4b06230d694a48ba0e5676bf91ed040b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510313&Signature=iy6w9U1locz4WXYvqc6XqlLPFo19HcFVxIWjBoy-SQz9qoLTUEkxg0TE~GXvYC~3X0Bo7GFlzkBlhjjJRCpj~ryWRTMZ1zV5NAySkYxVz~VMoxFcwHgPSCbjOTW2hvZP3b5OrPRv3Pq~s1DgiGwXHOzOs4vzOvJfKB1Mfh7RBsvJf9qZBRJrFPyA3UPxwYNguro0QQu7yrqBwwiNid4uTP4X0p5b2WytNRJuaSjyQPEoMy2Tkgb4C4hhXc41Oc3mniCS2deqYJTSkVOwBIibP-DBnhKNX8m2JtVNhHsksHx8ENP8ioifZJOkDljQaF861SP6TK5VV2RHyJsW1nddQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission approved requests from hiring agencies to allow three recruits to attend alternate academies after earlier, incomplete academy enrollments.

Metro Nashville Police Department requested a waiver for Taylor Lee Robertson, who attended the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in March 2020 but voluntarily withdrew. James Rummich, representing Metro Nashville, said the agency conducted a background check and believed Robertson’s responses were accurate; the commission granted the waiver so Robertson may continue academy training.

Coopertown (Coopertown) Police Department requested a waiver for Teresa Judith Camp, hired May 5, 2025, who attended a regional academy in January 2025 and was dismissed for violating that academy’s social‑media policy. Sergeant Justin Parker, representing Coopertown, told the commission Camp posted a group photo in uniform during a break; Camp spoke and accepted responsibility on the record. The agency said it has a similar social‑media policy at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) and the chief will advise Camp of the rules prior to attendance. The commission approved the waiver.

Walter State Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy requested a waiver for Joseph Gonzalez, who voluntarily withdrew from Knox County Sheriff’s Office academy in October 2023. Travis Stansler, Walter State director, and Gonzalez (appearing remotely) said Gonzalez left training because he was homesick after moving from California; Gonzalez said he has established roots in Tennessee and feels ready to resume training. The commission approved the waiver allowing Gonzalez to attend the July 2025 Walter State class.

Each waiver was approved after agency representatives described the circumstances and answered commissioners’ questions. Agencies were reminded to advise recruits of academy policies and to provide complete documentation when submitting waiver requests.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)
- topicintro: block_id=\"1545.17\" local_start=0 local_end=16 evidence_excerpt:\"We're going to the, loose leaf page now. Waiver to attend another academy. Metropolitan National Police Department request a waiver to change academies for Taylor Lee Robertson.\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"1946.6849\" local_start=0 local_end=8 evidence_excerpt:\"Administrative waivers.\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","The commission approved waivers allowing Taylor Lee Robertson, Teresa Judith Camp and Joseph Gonzalez to attend different academies after voluntary withdrawal, dismissal for a social‑media violation, or voluntary withdrawal from an out‑of‑state academy.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6634217,"POST approves two military‑discharge waivers for recent hires after commissioners question documentation",343,758000,1101000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150&start=758&end=1101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150/thumbnail_758000.jpg","/articles/6634217/Tennessee/POST-approves-two-militarydischarge-waivers-for-recent-hires-after-commissioners-question-documentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634217-8a4ac551325e6041e5c128a7ed4ec71c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510313&Signature=IE2KvfOnFt19ObKRNuSY7ASzzItVvwztOY1eVWUjDMuA1OixTVKfZOfcbH3Utb7e3Vw5Oec2YF1EdPuLQ-fhtSRS97O0C0TnabDTHgEYrv8mrG7xAbXH2n6FzrKjiSDazAVJIELquHS5Ezq4CdPWkqkFp~24ooJM2-tbiaU9fey-IfBWfMBWiZ05HsTra2zMaBcf4TULqJTJeEsBlEMHc7s6sMpDY2DPqcC1Ntkzv~P3I4BI2610UKAJTKzZRF7Zv1-rOeiHk0iDkdwH3vwtu-s7ix2cWv9n3OPxrz562AWMez7cj6SgWrIctAS-n4KilckWnBQ3B9aNJwN6P6BK7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission on May 16 approved military‑discharge waiver requests for two hires whose DD‑214s show non‑honorable administrative findings that otherwise would bar certification without a waiver.

Ferris Police Department representative identified the applicant for a military discharge waiver as Jerry Don McCurdy Jr., who was hired April 14, 2025. A Ferris representative described McCurdy’s 2008 military discharge as “general under honorable conditions” related to an unauthorized departure from his unit after returning from combat, and testified there was no court‑martial or other punitive history documented. McCurdy said he had been treated for injuries incurred in combat and explained the circumstances that led to his discharge. The commission approved the waiver after a motion; Commissioner Wright moved to approve the waiver on the record.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office requested a similar waiver for William Alexander Rodriguez, hired April 28, 2025. Sergeant Sean Vincent, appearing on behalf of Rutherford County, outlined Rodriguez’s service history: an initial general under honorable conditions discharge in February 2010 related to a failure to follow orders during airborne operations, reenlistment in the Tennessee National Guard, subsequent honorable discharge, combat deployment to Iraq, and later certification and hire as a law enforcement officer. Rutherford County reported it learned of the earlier discharge only while processing the officer’s paperwork after he had been on the job about four weeks. The county asked the commission to grant a waiver to allow him to continue his law enforcement career; a motion to approve the waiver was made and carried on the transcript.

Both waiver discussions included questions from commissioners about which DD‑214 forms were submitted to hiring agencies and whether the record submitted to the hiring agency included the active‑duty discharge. For Rodriguez, the county indicated the officer submitted both DD‑214s and that the hiring agency had documentation supporting subsequent honorable service.

The commission’s approvals allow the officers to continue in their current positions while the agencies complete any remaining documentation and monitoring required by the commission.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)
- topicintro: block_id=\"758.025\" local_start=0 local_end=12 evidence_excerpt:\"Good morning. I'm assistant g p in Reed with the Ferris Police Department.\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"1542.93\" local_start=0 local_end=12 evidence_excerpt:\"Thank you all very much. Have a great day.\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","The commission approved military discharge waivers for two recently hired officers — Jerry Don McCurdy Jr. (Ferris PD) and William Rodriguez (Rutherford County Sheriff's Office) — following testimony from agency representatives and the officers.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6634222,"Tennessee POST starts rulemaking process and approves waivers, in‑service exceptions and certification recommendations",2491,403000,2894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150&start=403&end=2894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3339265-6785888e4b18f9147783f3b62d449150/thumbnail_403000.jpg","/articles/6634222/Tennessee/Tennessee-POST-starts-rulemaking-process-and-approves-waivers-inservice-exceptions-and-certification-recommendations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634222-9133dad5311c85eff88d207625e832a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770510313&Signature=hbxx9X4mgGbEhT6xeTirA~UD0p3eCQtDW~ltSrld8eFxTMW4l-md05HhGWIroz620cfbcS6r1bgrxnQ69HxEaSrZDB0q2RDq0exKUJhVxtb3omhcVh4T0idBJ~FvMo3FUyiB4BgrMEqh7ymQqzV7ITaCBUQ8pvN4WHnkW9G~3lGqX5a8FzpvE8kfrLkFNz8C~oKNMBtguKd8yB6zgVUnhVzATdZ~stHfA~i1xnRpbCyUrjVfmUP8t1lTY-K3-4SW2PsaRUMdRY52mSIcswq6ssEO2E0IAkKrto4hMRC8OINmOHUB4enbwIUWMMmrfltdg2FJMcl39Z6miac4Hxk2xw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission on May 16 authorized the department to begin the formal rulemaking hearing process, accepted recommendations from its certification subcommittee and approved a slate of personnel waivers and in‑service exceptions.

The commission voted to allow the department to file a Notice of Rulemaking Hearing with the Tennessee Secretary of State and to schedule a public rulemaking hearing at least 52 days later to review proposed redline changes to the commission rules. General counsel described the process as an opportunity for the commission to go “line by line” through proposed changes at a future open meeting.

The action followed a report from the certification subcommittee. Commissioners accepted the subcommittee’s recommendations on a series of certification matters, including continuances, agreed orders and default decertifications from the subcommittee’s April 17 and May 15 informal hearings. The accepted recommendations included continuances for several sheriffs’ and police department matters and default decertifications where an agreed order or response was not filed.

The commission also approved numerous hiring waivers and six‑month and administrative waivers that allow officers to delay or change academy attendance or to remain in compliance despite incomplete in‑service training from calendar year 2024. Examples taken up on the agenda included waivers for agencies and officers from Rutherford, Gallatin, Overton, Millersville, Cleveland and other counties. Several agencies asked for waivers because officers were medically unable to attend, scheduled classes were unavailable, or documentation of prior qualifications was missing.

Commissioners discussed repeated instances of missing documentation and urged agencies to correct deficiencies and avoid repeat requests. In one conversation Cleveland County’s representative said qualification records for certain deputies could not be located because a former lieutenant left and training records were not transferred; the county said it will complete qualifications during the current year.

Votes on routine waivers were called collectively in several blocks. Where recorded on the transcript, motions were seconded and commissioners responded “aye” and the chair announced the motion carried.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to adopt the meeting agenda (including addendum): approved (voice vote). Referenced at 403.755–445.785.
- Motion to accept certification‑subcommittee recommendations (April 17 and May 15 informal meetings): approved (voice vote). Referenced at 525.915–620.70996 and 645.89996–701.065.
- Motion to authorize the department to begin the rulemaking process (file notice; schedule public hearing ~52 days out): moved by Commissioner Kavras; motion and second approved (voice vote). Referenced at 2871.845–2957.635.
- Multiple hiring waivers (military discharge waivers, academy transfers and similar): approved (individual motions recorded on the transcript; see detailed items in separate articles). Referenced across 758.025–1544.87 and 1545.17–1946.6849.
- Multiple in‑service / six‑month waivers for calendar year 2024 late or missing training (examples: Cleveland County, Millersville PD, Overton County and others): approved (voice votes; some items deferred to appear in July where noted). Referenced at 1946.6849–2598.415 and 1960.62–2156.9448.

Why it matters: The rulemaking step starts a public process that could change certification, training and agency oversight rules. The hiring and in‑service waivers preserve officers’ employment status or allow them to attend different academies while leaving record requirements or training gaps to be fixed later. Commissioners repeatedly noted the legal and liability implications of missing firearms or qualifications documentation and urged agencies to complete required training.

The meeting included a number of individual personnel matters and contested certification cases that the commission handled separately (including an agreed probation for an officer and a settlement resolving a decertification matter). Those items are reported in separate articles covering each case.

Provenance (transcript excerpts supporting this article)
- topicintro: block_id=\"403.755\" local_start=0 local_end=29 evidence_excerpt=\"Good morning, everyone. This is the 03/16/2025 post commission meeting about. First item on the, agenda is adoption of the agenda. And notice there is an agenda addendum under, advisory potential of the academy. We should have those handouts to add to that.\" reason_code=\"topicintro\"
- topfinish: block_id=\"2957.635\" local_start=0 local_end=23 evidence_excerpt=\"Motion and second. All in favor of the motion to start a loose making process. It's about the same I. Any inputs. No.\" reason_code=\"topicfinish\"","The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission voted to authorize a formal rulemaking hearing, accepted certification‑subcommittee recommendations and approved multiple hiring and in‑service waivers at its May meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

POST accepts settlement dismissing decertification proceeding for former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper

POST approves 12‑month agreed probation for Johnson City officer after NCIC misuse

POST grants waivers to allow three applicants to change or re‑attempt academy attendance

POST approves two military‑discharge waivers for recent hires after commissioners question documentation

Tennessee POST starts rulemaking process and approves waivers, in‑service exceptions and certification recommendations