Letter: KPD Chief thanks community

David Rausch

Letter to the Knoxville Community,

Thank you to all of you who have called, sent letters, emails, messages, personal contact and dropped off food in support of the women and men of the Knoxville Police Department.

The outpouring of support has been tremendous and humbling. We strive every day to assure that we provide fair, equal, and Constitutional policing for our community. The sanctity of life is our primary focus.

We attempt to be engaged from the officer on the street to the Chief’s Office with all in our neighborhoods. These efforts are to assure that tragic events that have happened over the past week in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Falcon Heights, Minnesota, Johnson City, Tennessee, and Dallas, Texas do not happen here.

We have had a number of calls wanting to hold events for our employees at KPD at various locations throughout the city. We really do appreciate this show of support and desire to show our officers you are there for them.

The challenge of having events is that it pulls officers away from their duties when they are on the job and away from their families when they are at home.

We have found the best way to show officers how you feel is to tell them publicly when you see them. Others like our Chaplains Corps and the Cookie Crusaders have provided goody bags to the officers as they are leaving their roll calls.

If you would like to arrange to do something like this, please contact my office and our team can coordinate with you. There have been offers of financial support as well, and we ask you to consider donating to the Knoxville Public Safety Foundation, a foundation that supports the needs of local first responders, that can be contacted at www.publicsafetyfoundation.org

These are challenging times and those of us in law enforcement service in the City of Knoxville remain committed to assuring the safety of all in our community.

Thank you again to all of you who have been so very kind and considerate of those in blue serving you.

Humbly,
David Rausch
Chief of Police

City says goodbye to KPD Chief Allen

Rausch, left, with Allen (Photo: KPD)

Knoxville officials recently bid farewell to (now former) Deputy Police Chief, Nate Allen recognizing 29 years of service  at the Safety Building on Howard Baker Jr. Ave.

Nate was a good dude. Always liked him.

A news release noted that Allen, the department's first black deputy chief, served in a variety of roles since joining KPD in 1986, including East District commander, staff officer to the police chief, homeland security coordinator and commander of the Criminal Investigations Division.

He left to become police chief in Decatur, Ala., which is near Huntsville. It has a population of about 56,000.

"Chief Allen has been instrumental throughout his career in building positive relationships with Knoxville's many diverse communities," said Knoxville Police Chief, David Rausch in a released statement.

Decatur, Ala., is in north Alabama near Huntsville. It has a population of about 56,000.

2nd suit filed over fair's gun ban

A second Knox County lawsuit has been filed against the city of Knoxville and Mayor Madeline Rogero over their decision to ban guns from the Tennessee Valley Fair in Chilhowee Park.

Liston Matthews and Kimberly Bergeron filed the action Thursday in Knox County Chancery Court.  The lawsuit had been expected.

Other defendants include Police Chief David Rausch.

Matthews and Bergeron argue their rights as permit carriers were impeded and they suffered because the city refused to let carry permit holders bring firearms last fall onto the fairgrounds.

For decades, the fair has operated in September at Chilhowee Park in East Knoxville.

Although it's commonly referred to as a park, the city argues Chilhowee Park is actually an entertainment venue. As a result, a state law that allows permit holders to bring guns onto public park grounds does not apply, the city argues.

Matthews and Bergeron, however, argue they had a right to bring their weapons to the fair because it is a park and they say they suffered because they weren't able to attend while armed.

In October, a Loudon County woman filed a similar lawsuit in Knox County Circuit Court.

The Tennessee Firearms Association on Thursday hailed the court action.

According to Rogero, no one challenged the ban at the gate during the fair. Several people were found to have weapons. But they put them away before entering the fair, according to Rogero.

According to Rogero, fair organizers had asked that gun-carriers be prohibited from bringing weapons into the fair.

Knoxville police revise moonlighting policy in wake of improper K-9 use

The Knoxville Police Department on Tuesday announced that it has changed its policies tied to employee freelancing after four K-9 officers were disciplined for moonlighting in Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas and didn’t report their activities.

The move, discussed publicly on Tuesday, comes in the wake of a six-month long Internal Affairs investigation kicked off in mid-April after two officers complained to the city’s law department about “multiple violations of the secondary employment policy,” according to KPD Police Chief David Rausch.

Three of the officers – Darrell Sexton, Adam Moore and Richard Wallace – took police dogs to other states to perform drug searches on traveling circus trains, Rausch said. In addition, Lt. Doug Stiles authorized the actions, which were “outside the scope of services provided by KPD."

The officers used the dogs on four occasions in 2012 and 2013.

Also, Sexton took just under half an ounce of marijuana that was confiscated in May 2012 in Columbus, Ohio with him back to Knoxville to use in canine training. City officials said he never removed it from the trunk of his KPD cruiser and it was still there - three years later - when IA interviewed him.

Sexton then removed the drugs from his car and properly logged them with the KPD Property Unit.
Rausch stressed that none of his employees broke the law, but rather violated city and police department policies and procedures.

He said the officers never submitted the proper forms to moonlight, and failed to submit the proper paperwork to use the dogs.

The chief also said that “there was no intention to hide the drugs from anyone – the biggest issue we had with it was that it was never documented.”

Rest of the story RIGHT HERE.

KCS Board of Ed exploring ways to hold bus drivers more accountable

Knox County School Board members are looking into ways to make bus drivers more accountable.

"This is one time where I think a student reporting something that they have a concern about needs to be heard immediately and dealt with," Karen Carson said. "I would love to see us explore starting a program where a student can take a picture of a driver using a cell phone - a bus driver using a cell phone, have a hotline that they can send it to and that the school system could respond immediately."

Board member Patti Bounds agrees the district needs, "to empower the children, the feeling that they can talk about these things in a safe way with their parents," she said. "For the parents, too-- probably one of the best things to do would, not necessarily a hotline, but a way to report these things to the proper authorities so that they can be addressed and handled."

Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, Knox County sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones and Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch met on Monday, to discuss possible enhanced safety guidelines when it comes to school bus drivers. McIntyre said details of that plan should be available in August, closer to the start of the school year.

Knox County DA Allen: Working to make texting while driving a felony

Charme Allen

Knox County's top prosecutor wants to make it a felony for anyone - school bus drivers included - to text while driving.

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch also said he, Knox County Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones and Superintendent James McIntyre met on Monday to see how law enforcement can help with school bus safety.

"Some of those could mean contract changes, some of those could mean changes in the way we assist them with assuring safety on our school buses," he said.

District Attorney General Charme Allen and Rausch spoke Wednesday with 10News in the aftermath of the release of the investigative file into a fatal Dec. 2, 2014, bus crash in which two Knox County students and a teacher's aide were killed.

Full exclusive RIGHT HERE.

Sheriff fires back at media critics

Sheriff Jones

Knox County Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones last night fired back at the local paper's March 17 editorial entitled “Public officials should be clear on sunshine law.”

In the unsigned opinion piece, the writer(s) suggest that Jones and Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch violated the sunshine laws when they discussed in emails an E-911 radio contract.

The editorial stated: “They cannot work out a backroom deal on a proposed communications system contract, as happened in this case.”

Well, the sheriff, who’s never been one to mince words, responded on his department’s official website.

Here ya go:

It’s Sunshine Week and the News Sentinel wants its readers to know that it’s time for “a clearing of the skies.” The editorial in Tuesday’s paper isn’t talking about the weather, but the Sunshine Law. A law that the newspaper trotted out when it failed to cover sixteen months’ worth of E-911 meetings concerning a contract for a new digital emergency communications system. The paper had obviously deemed the meetings not worthy of coverage until it was alerted by lobbyists and politicians who had a stake in the radio system.

The editors at the paper believe a “backroom deal” was brokered between Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch and me. I hardly call it a backroom deal when the Police Chief and Sheriff of the third largest law enforcement agencies in the state cannot talk about the safety and security of their officers and citizens.

I am fully aware of the Sunshine Law and that’s why I contend there was no violation between Chief Rausch and me. The newspaper, however, is clearly hiding behind the Sunshine Law to distract from its failure to report on an issue that affects the entire community. I believe the law does need to be revisited when a major media outlet manipulates it to cover up its own inadequacies.

New look for KPD uniforms unveiled

KPD's newest patch, left, and most recent one

The Knoxville Police Department's uniforms are getting a new look. For the fourth time in the department's 166-year history, the department is adding a new design to its uniform: a shoulder patch.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch unveiled the new shoulder patch for the department's uniforms late Tuesday morning at the Safety Center. The last time the patch was redesigned was in the 1970s.

Chief Rausch said the department has worked on this patch for more than a year, and it's only the fourth patch in the department's history. The department said the new patch reflects qualities of the city, including scenes of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Sunsphere, the Howard Baker Jr. Federal Courthouse, Ayers Hall, and other iconic sites.

Past KPD patches

Some officers are already wearing the new patch, and the department will add more through the month. Chief Rausch said the city won't bear any additional costs for the patch.

KPD to change style of uniforms

Well, this is interesting.  Just got a note from the city that Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. tomorrow to announce a change to KPD's uniforms. The note didn't say a whole lot.

Although it mentioned that the move is only the fourth time in the department's 166-year history that it's happened. No clue what they'll look like. The picture above is the current style.

Email: Police chief concerned about being 'whoodood' with radio contract

Members of the E-911 Board meet

For weeks, Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch and Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones have refused to say why they wanted to let a proposed $9 million radio system contract with Harris Corp. die.

Emails released Thursday, however, show Rausch and some other members of the Knox County 911 Board repeatedly and for months privately discussed their concerns about Harris, apparently in violation of the state sunshine law.

Rausch, in fact, sought out fellow board member Jones in a May 2014 email to warn him against supporting Harris, which was being recommended in a formal review process as the best vendor to provide the system for thousands of police officers, deputies, firefighters and emergency responders.

"...I think we are getting ready to get whoodood with this new radio system," the May 7, 2014, Rausch email states. "We need to stop this process and reconsider what is going on. I have major concerns with the way the decision has gone. Plus, it was the highest cost of all three. I think the Board needs to speak up and let the Director know that we need to stop where we are and talk about this before we go any further. Thanks! David."

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero acknowledged Thursday some of those involved in the process who are also board members may have violated the state sunshine law, meant to prohibit two or more members of a public board or body from deliberating outside public scrutiny. The law covers elected officials as well as others who serve on public boards and bodies.

The emails also show communication between Rausch and board member Ken Knight, including one in which they agreed to meet shortly before the January board meeting.

Also, KPD Deputy Chief Gary Holliday traded emails with Scott Tidwell, a former KPD employee who had gone on to work as a senior account manager with Motorola Solutions, one of those firms competing for the radio system contract.

Holliday has acted at times as Rogero's proxy on the board.

For story RIGHT HERE.

KPD: No driving fatalities during holiday break; plenty of DUIs

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch today announced traffic enforcement results from the Thanksgiving holiday period, according to a KPD release.  The enforcement effort began at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and concluded at Midnight on Sunday.

Rausch said during the 104 hour long period, officers issued 983 driving related citations.  Of the 983 citations, 39 motorists were cited for not wearing a safety belt.  Five (5) additional motorists were cited for violating the child restraint law.  Eighty-nine (89) motorists were caught either driving on a suspended license, a revoked license or driving with no license at all.  Officers also investigated 58 vehicle crashes.  Four (4) of the crashes resulted in personal injuries.  No fatalities were recorded during the holiday reporting period.

Officers arrested 17 motorists for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) during the specialized enforcement campaign.  Two (2) DUI arrests occurred on Wednesday.  Three (3) DUI arrests were recorded on Thursday.  Five (5) DUI arrests were made on Friday.  Officers recorded four (4) DUI arrests on Saturday and three (3) on Sunday.

Allen named new KPD deputy chief

Nate Allen

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch today named Captain Nate Allen as the new Deputy Chief for the department.

Deputy Chief Allen has been with KPD since 1986, according to a news release.

Chief Rausch said Deputy Chief Allen has served in various roles during his tenure with the department. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1992 and Lieutenant in 1996. In 2000, Allen was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served as the East District Commander.

 Chief Allen also served as the Staff Officer to the Chief of Police, Homeland Security Coordinator, and Commander over Persons and Property Crimes in the Criminal Investigations Division.

Chief Allen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security from North Central University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Allen is also a graduate of the Georgia State University Senior Law Enforcement Command College and the FBI National Academy Session 196.

Chief Rausch said, “Deputy Chief Allen’s experience has been a tremendous asset to the Knoxville Police Department and the City of Knoxville. We look forward to his continued leadership in his new role as the Division Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division.”

Deputy Chief Allen will be officially sworn in during a 4:00 p.m. ceremony on Thursday, August 14, 2014, in the Civic Coliseum Ballroom.

Rogero talks superintendent contract extension, wants to stay neutral

Mayor Rogero

Back in December, when Jim McIntyre asked three school board members to risk their political careers with elections so close by agreeing to extend his school contract during a Board of Education meeting, many in the community wondered why Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch spoke in favor of the Sensitive Superintendent's request.

It was unusual, folks said, because city leaders tend to stay out of county and school politics. Folks also wondered if his boss, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, was behind it. Rogero, though, is smarter than that. She's not going to take a side - when she doesn't have to - on something that divisive. Especially when she's got her own election to contend with in a few years.

In addition, sources tell me that Knox County Mayor Tim "Cheapskate" Burchett was none too happy because it affects how he has to fund a budget. He also doesn't exactly see eye-to-eye with Jim, either.

So, Rogero cleared it up today over at the hippie's site (right smack here) where the commentators were talking about another political race, this one for the sheriff's seat.

Here's what she wrote:

Hey folks, I want to clarify that I have not taken a position on the school superintendent / board / teachers issues. Had I known ahead of time, I would have advised Chief Rausch not to speak at the board meeting. We have since had that discussion and he now realizes that he inadvertently stepped into a situation in which I and my administration will remain neutral. He intended only to show appreciation for the cooperative relationship that KPD has with the school system and superintendent.

As Knoxville mayor, I work closely and effectively with the superintendent and school board. I also have a close and effective working relationship with State Representative Gloria Johnson and have been a supporter of our teachers for a very long time. As city mayor, I have plenty of my own responsibilities and respectfully defer to the teachers, superintendent, and school board to determine what’s best for our students and school teachers. 

School system reaches out to leaders

Ah, now we're talking. Soon after posting this bad boy, Knox County School Board Chairwoman Karen Carson let me know that on Friday the school system reached out to Knox County Mayor Burchett, Commission Chairman Norman, PBA head honcho Dale Smith, schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, Sheriff Jimmy "the Man with the Badge" Jones, county Law Director Bud Armstrong and Chief David Rausch to set a meeting.

The note:

Feb 22
Dear Sirs,
School Board Chair Karen Carson requests that you meet with her on Monday, February 25th at 9:30 am in the board conference room regarding school security. If you have questions please feel free to call Karen Carson. Please let me know if you will be able to attend.
Thank you,
Kay 

Here's hoping that everyone shows up.

Police chief to seek 40 new officers

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch

I wrote a story today about Knox County Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones' plan to ask for 20 more deputies to patrol the schools. (Click right smack here.)

Well, he's not the only one who wants more officers.

In talking to Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch yesterday, he told me that he's going to ask the city's administration to restore 40 positions.

I didn't really get into in my story, since it was mostly about school security and Rausch said he doesn't plan to put any new officers – if he gets them – in the schools.

He said in 2003 the department was authorized to hire 456 officers, but over the years the prior administration (re: Gov. Big Bill) cut a number of unfilled jobs. The chief said at the time, the department wasn't retaining the positions, so it did make some sense.

“We're at 416 now – and that's our authorized full strength, but the reality is there's a need for 456,” he told me. “But that doesn't mean we can't keep the city safe. Obviously we can.”

He said he's already mentioned the 40 positions to Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and several City Council members.

He also acknowledged that the request will cost some serious coin. My guess - based on what the county pays is that it would be at least $4 million for training, equipment and salaries/benefits in the first year and then about half that afterward.

“The reality is that it costs a lot of money,” he said. “It's a $100,000 an officer from the hiring process through training and through equipment. That's the initial cost. It goes down a little more to sustain it, but it's a lot of money.”

On a side note, I did hear a joke that if the city gets the extra officers, then instead of clocking motorists every 200 yards on I-40, they'll be clocking them at every 100 yards.

Heh.

Padgett, Rogero on new administration

OK, so we know that the two Knoxville Mayoral candidates - Madeline “Mad Dog” Rogero and Mark “The Plan” Padgett – will keep police Chief David Rausch when one of them takes office.

But what about senior director of policy and communications Billy Lyons and Larry Martin, deputy to the mayor?

I'll start with Rogero, because that one's pretty quick. Because she didn't say much.

“I don't really want to talk about it at this point,” she said. “But I've worked with a lot of them (city employees) for years, and I know the people and I know their talents. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.”

No mention that, uh, a few of them over there are helping her out.

Now for Padgett.

He said he'd ask them “a lot of question.” He was referring more to how the city works and gauging their ideas. He said “I'm not sure who will stay.”

Then, he said this: “But to have someone who has been raising money against you everyday and talking negatively about you every day – well, it's hard to reconcile that.”

I then asked him if he meant Lyons and Martin. Cause, you know, I wanted to make sure he heard the question clearly. He said: “Well, I don't know, but there's people in the city who have been doing that.”

Uh, OK. But there's probably people in the city who “have been doing that” to Regero, too.

I specifically asked him about Lyons and Martin again and he said “there's a lot to learn from them”

He added: “There's definitely people there who would stay. There's definitely people I'll ask to stay. You won't see me come in and slash and burn. That's not something I want or plan to do.”

As he put it: “That's really an important thing (about electing a mayor) because when you think about me and Madeline, you have to think about what type of people will we'll surround ourselves with.”

Finally, he noted that – no matter whether it's him or Rogero in office – it might not even be up to them who stays.