The Oak Ridge City Council is pictured above during a meeting on July 27, 2015. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The Oak Ridge City Council will hear the results of the six-month review of the Oak Ridge Police Department during a special meeting on Thursday, October 15.
The special work session—work sessions are non-voting meetings—will feature a presentation by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service at the University of Tennessee, which was hired to conduct the review in March. The review was expected to focus on turnover, morale, and administrative policies.
The work session, which was called by Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch and City Manager Mark Watson, is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Municipal Building Courtroom at 200 South Tulane Avenue.
MTAS will present the conclusions of its review of the Oak Ridge Police Department. Also, MTAS will submit their final report of the review to the City Council.
In April, MTAS was expected to interview up to an estimated 112 employees:Â 76 current employees and 36 former workers.
Those interviews have apparently been going on quietly behind the scenes. City officials have said they have no idea what the review might say.
The process that led to the review, which was proposed by City Council member Kelly Callison and approved during a special meeting in March, started in late January, when Council member Trina Baughn raised questions about what she suggested is a high turnover rate in the ORPD. Baughn, who had called for an investigation on several issues, also cited concerns expressed by a former officer in a personnel grievance, by a few writers using pseudonyms in anonymous emails, and by former officers and former Oak Ridge Police Chief David Beams in letters to the media and City Council, among other issues.
A divisive debate ensued, one of the most contentious in a long time, with critics saying Baughn is engaged in a “witch hunt” and supporters saying she is holding people accountable.
It’s not clear what might happen next, after Council receives the MTAS review.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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Sam Hopwood says
This should be televised for all those that are unable to attend. How about it??
Emilee Smith says
I think that is a great idea, however, I know there have been schedule conflicts (on behalf of BBB) before with televising special meetings.
johnhuotari says
Hi, Sam.
I would think this meeting would be available through online streaming, but I’ll try to double-check: http://oakridgetoday.com/2015/07/13/oak-ridge-upgrades-courtroom-media-equipment-for-city-council-meetings/
I don’t know if BBB-TV will carry it on television, though. I’ll have to ask.
Thank you,
John
Sam Hopwood says
Thanks John.
Joseph Lee says
Sam, if you need a ride please let me know. I plan on attending and would be happy to give you a lift. Maybe we could pick up Bobby Hill along the way. Thank you
Sam Hopwood says
Thanks Joe, but Raymond K says that you are not a safe person to be around. You Know, you might try to put me six feet under. BTW, how is that pending litigation coming along? 🙂
Joseph Lee says
Suit yourself. I’ll take that as a no. Thank you.
I’ve got you as a yes on the other thing, BTW.
johnhuotari says
Sam, the work session will be recorded but not televised. It is open to the public, and City Manager Mark Watson said the city may put up a link to it later.
Sam Hopwood says
Thanks John. You go the extra mile and it IS appreciated.
johnhuotari says
Thank you, Sam.
Matt Bailey says
Holding people accountable, huh? By using anonymous emails that were apparently only received by Ms. Baughn.
Does that sound like the most ludicrous rationale ever? Would any of this ever hold up in court?
Hopefully, this sordid chapter will all be over soon. Either way, one has to wonder who will be her next “victim”?
Sam Hopwood says
Oh my Matt, you sound a little upset. Good!! BTW, how is your pending litigation coming along? You and Joe seem to be on the same track. Birds of a feather….. But I have you both on my prayer list. That’s the best I can do for you. Have a good one.
Joseph Lee says
That’s good to know Sam. Thank you.
You should pray I don’t file this motion.
Matt Bailey says
Afternoon Sam. I appreciate your prayers. Thank you.
Legal case is moving along nicely. Thx for asking. I rather enjoy Joe Lee. He’s fun and he smiles a lot. Remember Sam, like butch jones says, a good attitude is paramount to success. Life’s too short to be otherwise. Take care.