Internal Affairs Hearing Exposes Allegations of Police Misconduct in La Verne

The Tennessee POST Commission held a formal hearing on August 29, 2025, to address serious allegations involving police conduct and internal investigations within the La Vergne Police Department. The meeting, conducted by the Department of Commerce and Insurance, focused on testimonies related to inappropriate behavior and potential misconduct by officers.

The hearing began with discussions surrounding the investigation into Chief Davis, who reportedly lost or damaged his phone, raising concerns about the integrity of evidence related to the case. Testimonies revealed that text messages containing explicit images were sent between officers, including Chief Davis, which were part of the ongoing inquiry into workplace conduct.

Key witness testimonies highlighted the nature of interactions between officers, particularly involving a female officer, Megan Hall. The witness admitted to sending explicit images of female colleagues to Chief Davis, raising questions about the appropriateness of such actions within a professional environment. The witness also acknowledged that these images were shared on a "secret phone," indicating a potential effort to conceal the communications.

Throughout the hearing, inconsistencies in testimonies were noted, particularly regarding the frequency and nature of communications between the witness and Hall. The witness initially claimed to have called Hall multiple times but later contradicted this by stating he did not recall any calls. This discrepancy was a focal point of questioning, as it related to the timeline of events leading up to the investigation.

The hearing also addressed the witness's understanding of workplace harassment policies. When questioned about discussing sexual topics with subordinates, the witness acknowledged that such conversations could fall under harassment policies, yet he maintained that discussions occurred only in informal settings, such as at his home.

As the hearing progressed, the witness faced scrutiny over his past behavior, including an incident involving another officer, Bethany Smith, who alleged inappropriate physical contact. The witness denied the allegations, asserting that he did not engage in any harmful behavior. However, the disciplinary actions taken against him, which included termination from the police department for dishonesty and workplace violence, were highlighted as significant outcomes of the investigation.

The session concluded with the commission members expressing their concerns over the testimonies and the implications for the La Vergne Police Department. The hearing underscored the importance of accountability and adherence to professional standards within law enforcement agencies. Further actions and decisions regarding the case are expected to follow as the commission reviews the evidence presented.