La Verne City Employee Terminated Over Inappropriate Messaging Investigation

During the Tennessee POST Commission's formal hearing on August 29, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding workplace conduct and the handling of complaints within the La Verne city government, particularly involving the police department. The meeting highlighted the procedures for addressing allegations of inappropriate behavior by city employees, including the potential for disciplinary action, including termination.

A key focus was on how the city would respond to complaints from civilians about inappropriate communications from employees. Officials confirmed that such complaints would trigger an internal investigation, particularly if they involved police department personnel. The process would typically involve Human Resources if the complaint originated from a city employee, ensuring that all allegations are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Commissioner Green raised concerns about the handling of a specific incident involving a city employee, Mr. McGowan, who was previously terminated. Questions were posed about the nature of his communications and whether any evidence suggested manipulation of text messages. It was revealed that discrepancies existed between what Mr. McGowan provided and actual phone records, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

The discussion also touched on the city’s policies regarding relationships and harassment. Officials confirmed that the city has clear guidelines prohibiting inappropriate exchanges between employees, emphasizing that any dissemination of private images without consent could be classified as harassment under both city policy and state law.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the timeline of reporting workplace incidents, with questions raised about delays in reporting a workplace violence incident. Officials acknowledged the need for timely reporting and expressed commitment to addressing such issues promptly once they are made aware.

The hearing underscored the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful workplace environment within the city government and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure that all complaints are handled with the seriousness they deserve. As the investigation continues, the city aims to reinforce its policies and improve its response mechanisms to prevent future incidents.