The City of Brownsville Police Department services the Brownsville municipal city limits. The BPD provides law enforcement and peacekeeping services to over 10,000 people and over 9 square miles.

I would like to take this time to welcome you to our website and for your interest in the Brownsville Police Department. It is our goal to protect and serve the citizens of Brownsville and we take great pride in that responsibility.

We value your comments, suggestions, and ideas and strongly encourage you to stop by our office, email, or call if we can be of any assistance to you.

Gill Kendrick, Chief of Police

The Mission of the Brownsville Police Department is to provide the citizens within our community a safe community free of crime, and the fear of crime, and continually work to enhance the quality of life, through professionalism, trust, communication, and team work.

A high standard of professionalism, which begins with a dedication to friendly service through the empowerment of competent, well trained employees, and our demonstrated integrity, which will provide a role model for our community.

A high level of trust between our community and our department, by being accountable for our actions, acting reliable and responsible, we will strive to promote a relationship with the community that is sincere, honest, and ethical.

We will use effective communication through listening and understanding, with care and compassion, to the diversity of our community and our organization. By maintaining and projecting an approachable, open-minded attitude and respecting appropriate confidentiality, we will ensure open two-way communication.

The effectiveness of teamwork through flexibility, support, competent leadership, fairness, and respect for cultural diversities, we will cooperate in an atmosphere of interdependency with our community in achieving our common goals.

The administrative offices of the Brownsville Police Department can be contacted from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays, located at 118 N. Lafayette Ave, or by phone (731) 772-1260.

• Gill Kendrick, Chief of Police
• Johnny Blackburn, Assistant Chief of Police
• Shawn Williams, Detective Lieutenant
• Bryant Nichols, Narcotics Lieutenant
• Jim Parks, Patrol Lieutenant - 1st Shift (8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
• Charles Willis, Patrol Lieutenant - 2nd Shift (4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.)
• Reginald Scott, Patrol Lieutenant - 3rd Shift (12:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
• Kim Williams, Training Officer/Child Sex Abuse Investigator
• Judy Mouser, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police
• Shelia Dycus, Court Clerk
• Carolyn Joyner, Parking Enforcement
• Misti Moore, Records Clerk
• Patsy Patterson, Records Clerk

In 2001, Brownsville / Haywood County were ranked very high in several crash categories by the Tennessee Dept. of Safety's crash reporting system. From the 95 counties that make up Tennessee, we were ranked #1 for fatal crashes, 4th for injury crashes, 12th for alcohol related crashes, 19th for percent of children unrestrained and 12th overall.

With support from the City, County, and funding from the Governors Highway Safety Office we started the Crash Enforcement Reduction Team "C.E.R.T." program. State of the art Traffic Radar, Digital Video Camera systems, DUI Checkpoint Equipment and Traffic Safety Literature were purchased. The full time City officer, County Deputy and part-time officers participating in the program attended trainings on Radar use, DUI/ Standardized Field Sobriety Testing "SFST", Child Protective Systems "CPC", Criminal Interdiction, Spanish for Patrol, and specialized classes on traffic stops and court testimony.

The CERT program presented classes in the Haywood County School System on Underage Drinking, Traffic Stops, Impaired/ Drugged Driving, Child Seat installation and the importance of using safety restraints. These classes were coordinated with the School Resource Officers and the School Principals. The CERT program utilized youth in the High School to promote the Buckle Bear and Crash Dummy Programs in the Head start and Preschool Programs. Classroom hands -on programs were a hit with students. A DUI Mock Crash was conducted for graduating seniors prior to prom and graduation with special speakers from MADD.

Youth also volunteered passing out literature at checkpoints, conducting seatbelt surveys, and with demonstrations at community events with the City's DUI simulator.

The CERT program made local cable TV and Radio Public Service announcements during peak traffic times. Quarterly free child seat inspections were conducted with updates and information being disseminated by the local newspaper. Funding from the City and GHSO enabled CERT to start the only child seat program in West Tennessee. When a driver is cited for a child restraint violation, they receive a free Full Size or Booster seat for the child to be safely restrained. Free seats are also given out at child seat checkpoints quarterly.

Specialized enforcements were conducted in school zones for child restraints, during holidays, school events and randomly each month. During the beginning of the program 90 - 100 citations would be issued in a two hour period, primarily for adult restraints. In just 6 months a dramatic event was occurring. Seatbelt usage increased from 49% to 68% and crashes decreased 15%. We have continued this program educating and enforcing these specific traffic laws to reach our goals. Currently two years into the program, seatbelt usage is at 82%, vehicle crashes are down 39% and the citizens of Brownsville / Haywood County are safer as they travel each day.

Beginning July 1, state law is changing how children must be restrained in car safety seats. The Brownsville Police Department is advising parents, grandparents and other caregivers of the changes, especially those affecting older children, so they can prepare for compliance.

Brownsville Police and have conducted child safety seat inspections for several years now. The check up program has focused on proper installation of the seats. The police are now working to alert the public to the new laws aimed at better protecting all youngsters when they travel in a motor vehicle.

• Any child under age 1 (even if he or she weighs more than 20 pounds) or any child weighing 20 pounds or less must be in a rear-facing child restraint, in the rear seat if available. Current law allows the child to face forward.
• Any child ages 1 through 3 years who weighs 20 pounds or more has to be transported in a forward-facing child restraint seat, in the rear seat if available. Currently, the child seat can be placed in the front seat.
• Any child 4 through 8 years who is less than 60 inches tall must be in a belt-positioning booster seat, in the rear seat if available.
• Children ages 9 through 12 years or any child through 12 years of age who is 60 inches or taller must use a seat belt system and be placed in the rear seat if available.
• Youth ages 13 through 15 years must use a passenger restraint system.
• Provision is made for the transportation of children in medically prescribed modified child restraints.
• The driver of the car is responsible for making sure that children under age 16 are properly restrained and may be charged and fined $50 for violation of the law. If the child's parent or legal guardian is present in the car but not driving, the parent or legal guardian is responsible for making sure that the child is properly transported and may be fined for non-compliance.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers information about child safety seats, seat recalls and installation at its website www.nhtsa.gov. Also, visit www.tennessee.gov.

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Brownsville Police Department is comprised of 4 members. The division is headed by Lt. Shawn Williams. Members of the unit are:

• Detective Lieutenant Shawn Williams
• Investigator Jason Singleton
• Investigator Mike McCord
• Investigator Mike Phillips

The function of the C.I.D. is to investigate all major crimes. We handle burglary cases to murder cases unlike some departments that have detectives who specialize in given crimes. We work the crime scenes thru the investigation and into court. After patrol personnel take the initial report, the C.I.D. Lieutenant reviews the reports and assigns them to investigators.

All investigators are highly schooled in such areas as death investigations, crime scenes, fingerprints, evidence handling, sex crimes, forensics, court presentations, surveillance, interviewing, etc...

Each investigator came from within the police department after having spent several years on patrol. They were promoted thru experience and ability.

Lt. Williams is also an active member of the Tennessee Gang Investigators Association as well as a founding board member. Please click on the T.G.I.A. web link for more information (http://www.tn-gia.org).

What is the phone number for the Brownsville Police Department?

• Emergency Calls: 911
• Calls for Service: (731) 772-1215
• Administration: (731) 772-1260

Where is the Brownsville Police Department located?
The Police Department is located at
118 North Lafayette Ave.
Brownsville, Tennessee 38012

What are the general business hours of the Police Department?
The Police Department is open for general administrative business 8 a.m. thru 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (excluding most holidays). Of course law enforcement activities are ongoing 24 hours a day, 365 days a day. If you are in need of assistance after hours, please call 731-772-1215.

How do I obtain a copy of a police report?
You may pick up copy of reports during general business hours in the Records Department. For mailed copies of reports, please call and request.

What should I do if I need to talk with a Police Officer?
If it is an emergency then dial 911, otherwise contact the department on one of our other lines and you can talk with an officer on the phone or ask that one be sent to your location.

I have a civil problem (i.e. landlord - tenant problems, vehicle re-possession, property questions) who should I call?
If you only have a question regarding these or like problems and there is no dispute / confrontation you would need to contact an attorney for the best answer. If you need the police to settle or prevent a problem (in the city) call 731-772-1215 or 731-772-1260 - If it is an emergency dial 911.

City of Brownsville Municipal Court hears traffic and other misdemeanor violations and animal control violations from the City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances.

The Municipal Court sits in regular session on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. of each week except for recognized holidays.

Individuals choosing to pay the standard fine on traffic tickets in lieu of making a court appearance are encouraged to contact the court for information. Please note that there are several traffic and other misdemeanor violations that require a mandatory court appearance.

Please contact Ms. Shelia Dycus, City Court Clerk, at (731) 772-1260 for any questions regarding your citation.

The Narcotics Division of the Brownsville Police Department is comprised of 2 members. The division is located within Criminal Investigation Division and is headed by Lt. Bryant Nichols with Chad Jackson as Narcotics Investigator. The 2 member team brings years of experience to this division.

As well as being the Brownsville Police Departments Narcotics team, Lt. Nichols and Inv. Jackson are also very active in the Tennessee Drug Task Force.

Currently comprising of 18 officers, the Patrol Division is the largest unit in the department. These officers are the backbone of the Brownsville Police Department, and their dedication and devotion to the service and protection of the city's residents is the source of its reputation as a community-oriented organization. Well-versed in the city's ordinances, as well as traffic, civil, criminal and state laws, the Patrol Officers are the department's future detectives, lieutenants, assistant chiefs, and chiefs.

• 1st Shift Supervisors: Lt. Jim Parks & Sgt. Harry Walton
• 2nd Shift Supervisors: Lt. Charles Willis & Cpl. Dave Forman
• 3rd Shift Supervisors: Lt. Reginald Scott & Sgt. Mark Covington
• Training Officer: Sgt. Kim Williams
• Parking Enforcement: Carolyn Joyner

Saving lives and making the streets of Brownsville safe, has always been a priority for the Brownsville Police Department. In the past two years with funding from the Governors Highway Safety Office and the City of Brownsville, we have moved traffic safety to the next level. New educational programs in the schools, community events and public service announcements combined with increased enforcement of traffic laws, have brought about this change. The citizens of Brownsville have joined the Police Department to make this positive change happen. Seat belt usage has increased from 49% to 82% in the past two years. Vehicle crashes have decreased 39% saving countless lives and thousands of dollars in medical, vehicle and insurance costs.

The Police Department recently received traffic safety's highest award in Tennessee. We were awarded the top Police Department in traffic safety for our size of department. We were also recognized by the International Chiefs of Police as one of the nations leading traffic safety Police Department's in the country.

The Brownsville Police Department would like to thank the citizens that continue to drive on our streets and obey all of the laws and safe driving programs everyday. This program will be known as "PRIDE", Police Rewarding Individual Driving Excellence. Police will be rewarding citizens that they observe driving properly and obeying all traffic safety laws. Citizens observed driving safely will randomly be chosen to receive a gift certificate. Once a month in addition to a gift certificate, you will be entered in a monthly drawing. This is just our way of saying thank you to the citizens of Brownsville and Haywood County.

We are asking for your support of this program to help promote traffic safety in our City and increase safety awareness within your business. Working together we can increase safety and save lives in Brownsville and Haywood County.

The Records Unit is ultimately in control of any and all forms of records generated by this department. This includes written as well as computer entered data. This unit maintains the records and disseminates to the public what is necessary for file of insurance claims or other research. The unit also files with the state and federal governments the data necessary for their report and to maintain grant status. The Records Division employs two full time positions.

We recognize the impact on your life, a victim of crime, as such we send each victim of crime a letter relating to your specific issue, the officers' name along with a contact number, and case number for further assistance to you.

The Brownsville Police Department currently utilizes two officers to fill the position of School Resource Officer (SRO).

Sergeant Barry Diebold is located at the Haywood High School campus and has been the SRO since 1998. Sgt Diebold has been in law enforcement since 1991 and has been with the City of Brownsville since 1998.

Sergeant James Watson is located at the Haywood Junior High School Campus and has been the SRO since 1998. Sgt Watson has been in law enforcement since 1991 and has been with the City of Brownsville Police Department since 1991.

Law Enforcement Chief's Challenge
The Law Enforcement Challenge is a competition designed to recognize and reward the best overall traffic safety programs across the state and across the country as judged by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Similar sizes and types of agencies were judged on local efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding. The 25 winning safety programs combined officer training, public information and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within their jurisdictions.

In 2005 we received 2nd place state and national honors presented by the Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO).

In 2006 we received 1st place state and national honors presented by the Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO).

Click here for the press release of the 2006 Law Enforcement Chief's Challenge: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2006/072806.htm

Click here for a list of the 2006 Law Enforcement Chief's Challenge Award Winners: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2006/pdfs/Winners%20List%2006.pdf

The Training Unit falls under the administrative command of the Chief of Police. The Training Officer is delegated with the responsibility of scheduling and notification of all inter-departmental and State-required training as needed. The Brownsville Police Department is pleased to announce that we have one of the most highly trained state certified training officers in Tennessee.

Sgt Kim Williams started her career in law enforcement in 1982 with the Brownsville Police Department. In 1986, Sgt Williams transferred to the Haywood County Sheriff's Department. There, Sgt Williams went through the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1997 and went on to become Training Officer for the Sheriff's Department in 1999 and is a member of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officers Association.

In 2002, the Brownsville Police Department was pleased to announce the hiring of Kim Williams as our Training Officer/Child Sexual Abuse Investigator in the Criminal Investigations Department.

In 2004, Inv Williams was promoted to Sergeant. The Brownsville Police Department is pleased to announce that Sgt Williams received her Master Instructor Certification in 2005 and regularly attends the T.L.E.T.OA. workshops.

The City of Brownsville provides a website utilizing current City staff. Over the past year, many hours were expended in an updated design. The changing nature of City business requires the site to be updated continuously. It has been determined that the most effective (timeliness and cost) method for updating the site is to have each department update their portion of the site. Thus, in most cases, each City department has accepted the responsibility for maintaining their portion of the site.

The City of Brownsville maintains this web site to enhance public access to the City's information. This is a service that is continually under development and information changes daily on some pages. While we try to keep the information timely and accurate, we can make no guarantees. We will make an effort to correct errors brought to our attention. Users should be aware that the information available on this web site or links to other sites beyond the home page may not reflect official positions of the City of Brownsville, or necessarily the opinions of City employees.

References made to any specific commercial product or service, manufacturer, vendor, or hyperlinks to their respective site does not constitute or imply endorsement or partialness by the City of Brownsville. The City of Brownsville has several employees that post certain sections which comprise the complete Brownsville site. The views and opinions of those authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the City or its employees, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

The City of Brownsville nor any of its employees assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed. This includes any documents or forms which are posted. No copyrighted material is posted on this site without the written consent of the owner. Permission has been granted to the City of Brownsville for using photos taken of any individuals.

Please be aware that the City can not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of information linked to our site. In addition, bolded or colored text does not imply importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed or products or services offered by the author of the reference or the organization operating the server on which the reference is maintained.

The City of Brownsville appreciates you taking time to visit our site. You are welcome to print documents or download pictures contained on this site. Although no confidential information is stored on this server, commercial use of this site is prohibited without written consent from the City of Brownsville.