posted August 10, 2007
A trooper on the security detail of Gov. Phil Bredesen has been given a five-day suspension after allegedly threatening workers remodeling the Executive Mansion.
Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell announced the suspension of Lt. Tim Dover.
The disciplinary action comes after the Office of Professional Responsibility reviewed an investigative report prepared by the office of attorney general.
The Attorney General’s report was initiated in May, following allegations in a letter received by the governor’s office. The governor’s chief legal counsel sent the complaint to the attorney general’s office so an independent third party could look into the matter, officials said.
As part of the investigation, TDOS Commissioner Mitchell committed investigative resources from the THP Criminal Investigation Division to assist the attorney general’s office.
Twenty-four officers and civilians were interviewed "to ensure a complete and thorough investigation was conducted."
The investigation revealed on Friday, May 11, Lt. Dover participated in a meeting with a number of construction employees at the request of Sam Scott, the project superintendent of the renovation of the Tennessee Residence.
At this meeting, it was alleged that Lt. Dover threatened the employees that they may be subject to a polygraph exam relative to acts of vandalism at the Tennessee Residence and prevented the workers from leaving the premises.
After a review of the AG’s investigative report, Colonel Mike Walker recommended to Commissioner Mitchell that Lieutenant Dover be suspended for five days and transferred from his current assignment.
Pursuant to Department of Human Resources rules and regulations and Department of Safety General Orders, Lt. Dover is entitled to a due process hearing on Aug. 27.
TDOS Commissioner David Mitchell stated, “The investigation revealed that Lt. Dover used poor judgment while on duty on May 11 at the Tennessee Residence. Lt. Dover also failed to report the incident as well as a previous theft of property belonging to an employee working on the renovation project."
Commissioner Mitchell also stated, “Other allegations detailed in the investigation alleged Lt. Dover threatened to conduct searches of vehicles on the premises and that the construction employees would not be allowed to leave the property until someone confessed to the acts of vandalism. The investigation did not substantiate these allegations.”
Lieutenant Dover is an 18-year veteran of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, commissioned in 1989. After serving as a sergeant in the Research and Planning Division, he was reassigned to the governor’s security detail in February 2003 and promoted to the rank of lieutenant in July 2006.
Lt. Dover has no prior internal affairs investigations with the Department of Safety.
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