Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Officer Misconduct topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
POST informal committee decertifies Whitwell officer after misconduct findings
Summary
The panel voted to decertify a Whitwell officer following testimony about multiple allegations including transporting juveniles in a patrol car and appearing at a hospital in uniform to contact a private individual; the officer disputed some facts but commissioners voted to remove certification.
The informal committee of the POST Standards and Training commission voted to decertify Officer Tanner Jackson of the Whitwell Police Department after hearing allegations of misconduct and agency investigations.
Chief David Boyd of Whitwell told the panel he had investigated three incidents involving Jackson: (1) taking three juvenile females into the back of a patrol car and activating emergency lights; (2) using a patrol vehicle and uniform while visiting a hospital to contact a private individual; and (3) posting or sharing body‑camera footage and images in a Snapchat group that included victims’ family members. Boyd said the county DA declined to prosecute one matter but that the TBI was investigating the Snapchat/body‑cam allegations.
Jackson disputed elements of the reports. He told commissioners the ride with juveniles was meant as community policing and that he did not cross state lines as reported; he also said some messages and media had been deleted when contact was removed on social platforms. Jackson acknowledged poor judgment in places and said he had worked EXTRA assignments with agency approval.
After discussion, Commissioner Jeffers moved to decertify Jackson and Commissioner Wilbur seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.
Investigators told Jackson and his counsel the investigator would explain next steps and appeal rights following the vote.
