Tennessee POST panel adopts department order to revoke former Memphis officer’s certification after hearing in absentia

The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission voted May 14 to adopt the Department of Commerce and Insurance’s proposed findings, conclusions and judgment in the matter of Demetrius Walker, approving an order that seeks revocation of Walker’s peace officer standards and training (POST) certification. The hearing was conducted virtually and the respondent did not appear; the commission found him in default and proceeded with the department’s uncontested presentation.

Associate General Counsel Ashley Ball, representing the Department of Commerce and Insurance, opened the department’s case and told the panel, “We’re here seeking the revocation of the peace officer standards in training or post certification of Demetrius Walker, the respondent.” Ball said the department’s evidence would show that in March 2020 Walker, then a probationary officer with the Memphis Police Department, had “an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile,” falsely reported to 911 that his duty weapon had been stolen by an unknown male, and resigned while MPD disciplinary proceedings were pending.

The department called Lieutenant Jeffrey Klein of the Memphis Police Department’s Internal Affairs/Inspection Services Bureau as its first witness. Klein identified the MPD ISB case file and related investigative documents, including a transcribed interview that Klein said Walker reviewed and signed. Reading from the affidavit narrative, Klein said: “On 03/14/2020, Memphis police probation officer Demetrius Walker … is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile,” and that the officer’s duty weapon was taken by juveniles, prompting an administrative investigation.

Klein testified the internal investigation sustained violations of MPD policy for personal conduct, careless handling of a firearm (leaving a duty weapon unsecured in a vehicle), and truthfulness (providing an untrue 911 report). He also confirmed Walker submitted a resignation letter before MPD’s disciplinary hearing concluded and stated MPD would likely have terminated Walker had he not resigned. Klein said MPD requested the department seek revocation of Walker’s POST certification. Klein further testified that there was no indictment or criminal charge in the matter.

The judge and commissioners discussed evidence protocol and privacy safeguards; the chair ordered that any juvenile names missing redactions in submitted exhibits be redacted before the records are entered into the public record. The commission considered the department’s proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, judgment and policy statement (offered as exhibits) and then voted to accept each as presented. Commissioners voiced “aye” when asked; no opposing votes were recorded on the motions to adopt the order.

Because the respondent did not appear, the department prosecuted the case uncontested; the judge found service of process effective before the commission voted to proceed in default. The commission’s order will be finalized with signatures and a copy is expected to be filed with the appropriate records office.

The commission hearing record includes the MPD investigative file, witness testimony from Lieutenant Klein, and the department’s proposed findings and orders. The commission did not receive any testimony or argument from the respondent during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after administrative matters were addressed and staff were instructed to ensure redactions of juvenile-identifying information before final filing.