News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Gov. Bill Lee’s Law Enforcement Reform Partnership has recommended updates to the use-of-force policy and increased officer training.
Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans is a board member of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. That group is a part of the reform partnership. He said the recommendations are a step in the right direction.
“You look at those changes, those are all ways to make us better,” Evans said. “And ultimately, our goal and certainly at the Cookeville Police Department is to deliver a quality, professional service to our community.”
Evans said there was zero resistance from the partnership on the proposal. Under the updates, police training hours increase from 400 to 488 hours. As well as, 16 course hours designed for proper use of force and emphasizing positive officer interactions.
“All these law enforcement members were engaged in that partnership,” Evans said. “I am going to tell you this was a true partnership and each one of those agencies and contributors of that partnership to include representation from the governors office. Obviously, we are looking for solutions.”
The recommended curriculum also includes annual in-service training updates. A total of ten hours added to de-escalation Techniques, officer wellness, community interactions and designated community immersion
The governor announced the Law Enforcement Reform Partnership on July 2.
It’s members include the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association, state legislators and other community leaders.
