Investigation into THP promotions only option

Jackson Sun
November 28, 2005

Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, is right to call for a full investigation into the practices of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. There have been too many strange coincidences lately that raise too many political and ethical red flags. An investigation is the only way to get to the bottom of it and move the agency forward.

Consider the evidence that continues to mount:

• The Tennessean newspaper reported recently that two-thirds of the promotions under Gov. Phil Bredesen's administration went to officers who gave money to his campaign, or who had family members or political patrons who did. More than half in that group were promoted over other officers who had scored higher on the promotion test.
   

• Earlier this year, it was revealed that honorary trooper badges had been given out as tokens to Bredesen supporters.
   

• In its review of THP records, The Tennessean also found that a lieutenant involved in the dismissal of a ticket issued to Deputy Gov. Dave Cooley was tapped for promotion soon afterward. Cooley also has been involved in approving THP promotions.

To his credit, Bredesen sent out an e-mail recently decrying the alleged abuses and promising to investigate. That was exactly the right response. After all, when veteran officers say they feel long-standing pressure to make campaign contributions; when they point to a culture of favors being done for the powerful, there's something wrong.

What's at stake here is the integrity of the THP. Simply put, citizens have a right to expect that they are being protected by the most qualified officers available. Merit, not money should be the criterion for advancement. And administration officials should have no say in who gets promoted. That's a decision best left to law enforcement professionals.

Given the recent allegations, citizens are right to be asking themselves what's going on. An investigation might prove embarrassing to the THP. But it's the only way to answer nagging questions and move the agency forward.