The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission approved several hiring waivers at its Oct. 18 meeting, granting exceptions that allow recently hired officers with prior military discharges or criminal histories to pursue certification.

Among the waivers the commission granted were a criminal‑record waiver for Adam Corey Mallett, hired Oct. 2, 2024, by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office; a military‑discharge waiver for Tanner James Cheek (Greenville Police); and waivers for applicants whose military discharges or prior convictions were tied to incidents the agencies said were resolved. Agencies that presented candidates told the commission the hires had satisfied court obligations, completed corrective steps or were performing well in early employment.

During each waiver hearing the commission allowed applicants to speak. Mallett acknowledged a July 2018 first‑offense DUI, said he completed court‑ordered sentences and probation, and told commissioners he no longer drinks and is working in a field‑training role for Benton County. Greenville and other agencies presented hiring supervisors and said the employees had performed satisfactorily since hire.

Commissioners repeatedly warned agencies that while they may hire a candidate, an individual who requires a POST waiver cannot be sworn, carry a gun or wear a badge in a law‑enforcement capacity until the commission issues the waiver. Counsel and commissioners emphasized agencies should place such employees in non‑sworn or observational training roles until certification is finalized, and not place them into armed field training prematurely.

The commission also approved multiple six‑month waivers to delay academy attendance for officers who could not begin training on schedule because of injury, staffing or academic reasons. Examples included officers scheduled to attend the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy and regional academies who were allowed to defer training without losing eligibility.

Most waiver motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners recorded one abstention during the Mount Carmel Police Department waiver. The meeting also included routine administrative votes and several agreed orders of suspension (see separate article on disciplinary matters).

The commission said it will continue emphasizing timely background checks and proper submission of pre‑employment packets to prevent cases of candidates who later require formal review or disciplinary action.