Monterey To Hold On Investigating Police Department

Monterey Aldermen agreed Thursday during a work session to hold off on the investigation of two Monterey Police Officers involved in the Bill Randolph incident.

Both officers had knowledge in the former chief’s plan to avoid training, using a Gatlinburg trip for vacation. Randolph indicted on seven counts. Aldermen discussed whether the town should perform the investigation, or ask for help from the TBI or the State Comptrollers Office. Mayor Alex Garcia said as of now, they have little information on the two subordinates involved.

Alderman Jamie Phillips said an investigation would not produce new information and would cost the town money. Alderman Cecilia Paulsen said she would like an investigation done as the town deserves answers.

“Everybody is looking for a scapegoat,” Paulsen said. “I’m not looking for a scapegoat. This is something that is two years old and it was investigated by the comptroller. I know there was more than one person involved with that code or whatever, I understand he is a subordinate but there’s still questions that are unanswered that we haven’t had answered and I think that it’s only fair for us to find out.”

Aldermen did decide to pursue an audit of the department before hiring a new Chief. The town will reach out to MTAS and the comptroller’s office to see which option would be best for an audit. Aldermen Kevin Peters said he was in favor of performing an audit.

“I think it would be fair to whoever is coming in,” Peters said.

City Attorney Evan Wright said it would be in the town’s best interest to hold off on an investigation.

“This is all going to unfold in a public forum and if we are just exercising patience here we will probably know all that we need to know,” Wright said. “And of course, we will get notice of court dates when they come about.”

Wright said Randolph is scheduled to appear in court in January. Wright said once that happens more information may come out. Wright said the town may have to wait for a long time before the true answers are revealed.

“The comptroller’s office doesn’t move at lightning speed and I don’t mean that in a negative way,” Wright said. “I know they are very methodical and detailed about what they do so some of the timeline that will just be virtue of the fact that it is the comptroller’s office.”