Two police shootings, both recorded by police. In one city, the police recordings were released almost immediately and protests remained calm. In the other, the chief has so far refused to provide the videos to the public and violent protests…
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Smyrna Police Set New Standard With Radical New Transparency Tool
A new online tool in Smyrna will connect homeowners with their neighborhood police. The Smyrna Police Department launched a website called P2P or Police to Citizens. It allows anyone to view everything from traffic stops and warrants to recent arrest….
Read MoreWhy Are State and Local Governments So Difficult to Deal With?
Stand atop Rock City on Lookout Mountain, and the marker says you can see seven states — though you may have to squint pretty hard to make out two of them. It’s one of Tennessee’s quirks: The long, narrow shape…
Read MoreHouse GOP Votes to Conceal Police Misconduct; Keep Records from Taxpayers
Legislation produced and given quick initial approval by a state House panel last week would prohibit public disclosure of most body camera recordings made by Tennessee law enforcement officers for at least a year — and potentially keep video of…
Read MoreTN Public Schools Receive Yet Another Failing Grade
Tennessee is among 13 states that scored an F for its system of performing background checks on teachers and sharing misconduct information when compared with best national practice by USA TODAY. For Tennessee, the reliance on school districts to run…
Read MoreState Agency Charged With Transparency Has 18 Month Back Log
A Tennessee agency that’s supposed to provide critical information to citizens, news media and government offices regarding the state’s public records and open meeting laws simply lacks the resources to do its job adequately, a new state Comptroller’s audit says….
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