La Verne Mayor Makes Termination Decision Following Unique HR Investigation

In a recent formal hearing held by the Tennessee POST Commission, significant discussions emerged regarding the decision-making process behind personnel actions within the La Verne Police Department. The hearing, which took place on August 29, 2025, highlighted the unique circumstances surrounding the termination of an officer, Mr. McGowan, and the roles played by the mayor and the human resources department.

Key to the discussions was the assertion that the mayor ultimately made the final decision on the termination based on an investigative report. Deputy Chief Hatcher clarified that while the La Verne Police Department was involved in certain aspects of the investigation, particularly concerning Garrity rules, the bulk of the report was prepared by human resources. This division of responsibilities raised questions about the standard operating procedures within the department, especially since this situation was described as "very unusual."

The hearing revealed that, under normal circumstances, the police department would typically provide recommendations regarding personnel matters. However, in this case, the recommendations were primarily driven by HR's findings rather than the police department's input. This shift in decision-making authority has sparked discussions about the implications for police oversight and accountability in La Verne.

As the community seeks clarity on how such decisions are made, the hearing underscores the importance of transparent processes in law enforcement agencies. The outcomes of this investigation and the subsequent decisions will likely influence future policies and practices within the La Verne Police Department, aiming to ensure that similar situations are handled with greater involvement from law enforcement personnel.

The commission's ongoing work will be crucial in addressing these concerns and fostering trust between the police department and the community it serves. As the hearing concluded, the focus remained on how to improve the decision-making framework to better reflect the needs and expectations of La Verne residents.