POST Commission accepts two‑year suspension settlement in case of former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper

The Tennessee POST Commission on Aug. 29 accepted a settlement order in the case of former Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper Albert Smith that imposes a two‑year suspension of certification retroactive to Dec. 21, 2022, and conditions for returning to certification.

Attorney Steven Leffler, representing Smith, presented a counterproposal to an earlier offer. Leffler said the Shelby County criminal investigation concluded there were no grounds for prosecution, that testimony and video evidence contained inconsistencies, and that the complainant did not pursue further criminal or civil actions once the sheriff’s office investigation concluded. Leffler also said Smith had completed in‑service training for 2024, was on track to complete 2025 training, and had pursued college degrees and community service while out of active law enforcement.

Under the settlement the commission accepted, Smith would serve a two‑year suspension retroactive to Dec. 21, 2022; complete missing in‑service training for 2024 and 2025 as required; and attend transitional training at the law enforcement training academy before seeking reinstatement. Staff said Smith’s certification remained active while the matter was pending and that the agreed settlement would be recorded; the suspension and related records will be reported to the national database as required.

Commissioners asked staff about the consequences of granting the settlement with prejudice and whether the suspension would be visible in official records. Legal staff said a settlement with the agreed terms would not expunge records: the suspension and its conditions would be recorded and reported to national systems. Commissioners voted to accept the settlement; the motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: The settlement closes the item for POST, removing the pending administrative hearing if the commission’s settlement stands; staff will monitor completion of training and transitional school requirements and record the suspension.