After a briefing from Internal Affairs on Monday, Chief of Police Fred Fletcher and District Attorney General Neal Pinkston said they have decided that the alleged actions of Chattanooga Police Department Detective Karl Fields warranted a criminal investigation.
Allegations are that the married detective pursued a sexual relationship with a rape victim on a case he was investigating.
Police obtained a number of text messages sent to the woman.
The officials said, "This decision was made after receiving additional information of alleged misconduct and to maintain investigative integrity and to avoid even the possible appearance of any conflicts of interest or investigative improprieties.
"At Chief Fletcher’s recommendation, General Pinkston has requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conduct a criminal investigation into the alleged misconduct."
"Employee misconduct of any type will not be tolerated by me or the police department," said Chief Fletcher. "And these allegations are particularly egregious. We will investigate them thoroughly and robustly."
Police officials said, "The Chattanooga Police Department reiterates that employees shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect the dignity of their role in the community. This includes any conduct that would discredit an employee as a member of the department or impair the operation or efficiency of the department or officer."
Officer Fields has been relieved from duty and has been placed on administrative leave.