POST investigators find uncertified and undertrained officers at several small agencies; commission orders unannounced spot checks

Investigators for the Tennessee POST Commission reported on Aug. 29 that several small law-enforcement agencies had instances of uncertified officers working alone or lacked complete pre-employment documentation and in-service training records.

Kevin Creed, a POST investigator, told the commission he reviewed body-worn camera footage and records at the Cowan Police Department after a complaint that an uncertified trainee had worked solo. Creed said most footage showed the trainee accompanied by another officer, but he found a “few occasions” where the officer appeared to be working alone and instances where a part-time officer had been used as the certified partner in contravention of POST rules; he said the chief was made aware and the department corrected the practice.

Investigator Kevin Green reported on Franklin County, where he found multiple reserve/part-time officers whose files were incomplete and whose initial 128-hour part-time training records were not documented in a single file. Green said the sheriff’s office compiled the missing records within a 21-day window and that the agency was working to document initial training hours and pre-employment medical and psychological clearances.

Investigator Gary (or Richard) Cantrell presented similar findings in other small agencies and said he had not substantiated some complaints after onsite review; in some cases — Jasper and South Pittsburgh police departments — agency leaders told investigators officers were not working solo, but investigators found occasions where uncertified or part-time officers performed duties without a certified partner. Cantrell recommended follow-up visits.

Commissioners pressed staff on remedies and the administrative burden of requiring agencies to register reserve officers in POST’s electronic system. POST staff and investigators said making reservation/part-time rosters visible in the Cadence system would improve oversight but would increase workload for both agencies and POST; staff said the rule change was under discussion and agencies were being encouraged to comply proactively.

After discussion, the commission voted to accept the investigative reports and directed POST investigators to conduct unannounced follow-up spot checks within six months and to report back to the commission.

Ending

POST staff said they will track agency compliance with training and pre-employment requirements and report back to the commission after the unannounced spot checks. Commissioners also discussed potential rule changes to require agencies to register reserve deputies in Cadence.