Collegedale Commissioner Ethan White has asked for a full investigation into allegations that the Collegedale Police Department set up a "quota system" requiring patrol officers to make a certain number of arrests and citations.
Former Collegedale officer Robert Bedell has filed suit in Circuit Court against the police department, alleging that he was forced to resign by Police Chief Brian Hickman after raising issues about the alleged policy.
Commissioner White said, "In 2014, I was elected by the people of Collegedale to represent their best interests.
I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States, the State of Tennessee, and ultimately to protect the rights of those who live in Collegedale. The citizens of Collegedale entrusted myself and the rest of the Commission with their best interests and it is my responsibility to ensure that the public’s civil rights are being protected. Due to the allegations of a quota system being implemented by members of police department administration either written or unwritten, stated or implied, I feel it is necessary for a formal investigation to be conducted.
"Today, I have reached out to District Attorney General Neal Pinkston requesting that he immediately request the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct a full investigation into the Collegedale Police Department’s operating policies. My request is to hopefully help restore the confidence of the public in our police department. My request does not serve as a judgement or suspicion of guilt against the police department. All those involved should welcome an investigation and cooperate fully. However, if any wrong doing is found, I expect the immediate termination of anyone involved in said wrong doing. Corruption at any level will not be tolerated by myself or the residents of Collegedale.
"I stand by the men and women of the Collegedale Police Department’s patrol division, who on a daily basis put their lives on the line to serve and protect the residents of Collegedale. I invite members of the community to our Commission meeting Monday night at 6 p.m. to address any concerns you might have. I also invite anyone who has personal concerns to email me at ewhite@collegedaletn.gov."