Recent editorials from Tennessee newspapers:
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Sept. 29
The Johnson City Press on “duty-to intervene” policies which require officers to step in when another officer is violating the law:
A lawyer is required to report substantial questions regarding another lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness to the appropriate professional authority. A physician is obligated to report another doctor’s incompetent or unethical conduct that may put patients at risk.
But police officers have for too long observed the “blue wall of silence” in which an officer does not inform on another officer who steps out of line or stands by when it happens. Fortunately, that may be changing. The Johnson City Police Department has a new duty-to-intervene policy, which would require officers to step in if they see a colleague violating a law or procedure.
But any such policy needs to provide strong incentive to comply, which could range from immediate dismissal to criminal prosecution.
Some departments have had duty-to-intervene policies for years. The Minneapolis Police Department implemented an intervention rule in 2016 that required its officers to “stop or attempt to stop” unnecessary violence by their colleagues.
But that policy did not keep three officers from standing by on May 25 as their colleague, Derek Chauvin, knelt on George Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
Johnson City Police Chief Karl Turner said there are duty-to-intervene requirements in the department’s revised use of force policy, but he wants the expectation to extend beyond instances of force to include other circumstances.
“Duty to intervene is not just stopping an unreasonable use of force,” he said. “If I’m making a mistake on a search or something, then we would ask our officers to intervene there as well.”
In July, Gov. Bill Lee put together the Law Enforcement Reform Partnership to improve local policing policies, enhance information sharing, and boost officer training. This process included reviewing use-of -force and duty-to-intervene policies at local law enforcement agencies. Reforms included ensuring chokeholds weren’t used as a restraining technique and requiring law enforcement officers to stop fellow officers from violating a law or policy.
Turner said the department already was in the process of making adjustments to policies before officials received the governor’s recommendations. For instance, the department will classify pointing the muzzle of a weapon at someone as a use of force, which previously wasn’t reported as such.
The governor’s office also announced increased access for law enforcement agencies to the National Decertification Index, a registry that tracks officers who have lost licenses or certificates because of misconduct. Capt. Kevin Peters, who leads the JCPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, said everyone hired by the department must already be POST-approved, which can tell the agency if potential new recruits have been decertified in another state.
In addition to other training enhancements, the governor’s office said the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy will now require annual in-service training that includes 10 hours dedicated to topics like de-escalation techniques and duty to intervene, officer wellness and community immersion.
Law enforcement officers have one of the toughest jobs going. They’ve got to maintain control in circumstances where they may be challenged beyond the ability of most of us have to do that. We appreciate and support their service.
But more reforms are needed. For instance, what seems a standard practice of searching vehicles and their occupants over a simple traffic violation - in the absence of other just cause - should end.
And duty-to-intervene policies should be adopted by every law enforcement agency in the nation to create a culture where what happened to George Floyd does not happen again.
Online: https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/
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Sept. 28
The Crossville Chronicle on registering to vote:
The deadline to register to vote is just around the corner. Would-be voters have until Oct. 5 to register online, by mail or in-person at the Cumberland County Election Commission.
Our Administrator of Elections Jill Davis and her staff stand ready to assist potential voters in registering to vote so that their voice may be heard on Nov. 3. The office, at 2 S. Main St., Suite 105, is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can also register online at ovr.govote.tn.gov.
We often hear the politicians tell us “this is the most important election in our history.” Hyperbole aside, every election impacts the people of our great nation - from the municipal and county elections all the way up to the national races we see on the news every night.
After you’ve registered to vote, start studying the different candidates and then go vote.
If you’d like to request an absentee ballot, you must do so by contacting the Cumberland County Election Commission no later than Oct. 27. Ballots are sent by mail and must be returned by mail, so don’t delay on making your application.
Tennessee offers multiple reasons voters may use to request an absentee ballot:
- You’re age 60 or older
- You will be outside the county during the early voting period and Election Day
- You or your spouse are full-time college students at a school outside your county
- You are a candidate for office
- You are observing a religious holiday
- You are serving on jury duty
- You are serving as an election official
- You have a physical disability and an inaccessible polling place
- You are a commercial driver or transportation worker working outside the state or county during the open hours of early voting and election day
- You are a member of the military, a military family member or an overseas voter
- You are hospitalized, ill or physically disabled - including individuals with underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19
- You are the caretaker of a person who is hospitalized, ill or physically disabled
Requests for an absentee ballot can be made by mail, fax or email. Be sure to include your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, address to mail the ballot, election you wish to participate in and the reason for your absentee request. You must also sign this request or, if applying by email, a scanned image of your signature.
The Tennessee Secretary of State website includes an absentee request form you can use, sos.tn.gov.
Members of the military, their families, and overseas citizens can receive their ballot by email. The state also offers a print disability absentee ballot for individuals with vision loss or certain physical disabilities.
Everyone else will get a printed ballot that must be returned by mail.
Tennessee will offer absentee ballot tracking this year, as well. Visit tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup after making your request to see when your ballot is mailed, and track it all the way back to the election commission.
The early voting period will be Oct. 14-29, with the Cumberland County Election Commission offering in-person voting Monday-Saturday at their office on Main St. Polls will be open for voting from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
You can also vote at your voting precinct on Nov. 3.
We hope everyone takes advantage of one of these opportunities to let your voice be heard this election season.
Online: https://www.crossville-chronicle.com/
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Sept. 22
The Kingsport Times-News on helping animal shelters:
As nighttime temperatures begin to dip into the 40s, animal shelters around the region are asking for help as they are being overwhelmed with homeless cats and dogs.
Sullivan County’s shelter recently made an urgent plea for donations and adoptions after 39 dogs were surrendered. The Johnson City/Washington County shelter has taken in some 100 cats this month, added to 389 animals received in August, which has prompted Shelter Director Tammy Davis to put out an urgent call for fosters and donations.
While many are checking out available pets, donating money and supplies, and sharing the word on social media about rescuing homeless balls of fur, others are taking their beloved pets to shelters to find them new homes. Families out of work due to the pandemic are focused on how to feed themselves and may no longer be able to care for their animals.
If you’re in that situation, don’t break the law and drop your pet off. There’s no shame in taking a pet to a shelter to give it a chance at a new home. In fact, that may be one of the most loving things you ever do for a fur baby.
Sullivan County’s shelter is at 380 Masengill Road in Blountville, but you can’t just drop in unannounced. Access is limited to screened appointments only. Walk-ups are not permitted. You must make an appointment by calling (423) 279-2741. Individuals with an approved cat adoption appointment will only be allowed in a meet-and-greet area with appropriate face coverings. Strays must be brought in by animal control.
Until the new shelter on 11-W is completed, Kingsport’s shelter is at 2141 Idle Hour Road. Call
(423) 247-1671. Both Kingsport and Sullivan have images of available animals at their websites, Kingsport at petworkstn.com and Sullivan County at animalsheltersullivancounty.org.
The Johnson City/Washington County shelter is also by appointment only at
(423) 926-8769. It’s located at 3411 N. Roan St., and animals available for adoption may be seen at wcjcanimalshelter.org.
The Hawkins County Humane Society operates a shelter at 5180 Highway 11-W in Rogersville. Call (423) 272-6538 or visit hawkinscountyhumanesociety. org online.
If you’re unable to foster or adopt, there are other ways to help during this animal crisis.
Volunteering to spend time with animals at your local shelter or rescue is an incredible gift, not only to the animals but staff that could use the help. Most will take donated items like lightly used pet beds, food and water bowls, leashes and toys. Most shelters can also use old towels and sheets, even paper towels, pillows and wash cloths. Pet soaps, brushes and combs are all appreciated. Ask what the needs are.
At the top of the list is money to buy pet food. Or donate a few bags of food to help ensure our furry friends don’t go hungry. Reach out to your local shelter to see if there are any specific brands they may require or treats the pets like.
Foster parents are always needed. Giving an animal in need a place in your home allows them to feel something they may not have felt before - loved and safe.
It’s also a fulfilling experience for the family.
In this time of need, please take a moment to contact your local animal shelter to find out more about adopting or fostering animals in need.
Online: https://www.timesnews.net
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