| Brownsville Police Department |
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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.
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.
Administration

Chris Lea, Chief of Police
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.
Staff:
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Chris Lea, Chief of Police
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Shawn Williams, Lieutenant,
Investigations Director
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Barry Diebold, Lieutenant,
Administration Director
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Chuck Willis, Lieutenant, Operations
Director
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Jim Parks, Patrol Lieutenant - 1st
Shift (8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
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Jason Singleton, Patrol Sergeant -
2nd Shift (4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.)
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Mark Covington, Patrol Lieutenant -
3rd Shift (12:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
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Kim Williams, Training Officer/Child
Sex Abuse Investigator
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Judy Mouser, Executive Assistant to
the Chief of Police
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Shelia Dycus, Court Clerk
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Misti Daniels, Records Clerk
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Carolyn Joyner, Records Clerk
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C.E.R.T ( Crash Enforcement
Reduction Team)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Youth ages 13 through 15 years must use a
passenger restraint system.
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Provision is made for the transportation of
children in medically prescribed modified child
restraints.
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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 Investigation Division of the Brownsville
Police Department is headed by Lt. Shawn Williams.
Members of the unit are:
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Detective Lieutenant Shawn Williams
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Detective Sergeant Mike Phillips
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Investigator Chad Jackson
The function of the Investigation Division 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 Director reviews the reports and assigns
them to investigators.
As well as being the Brownsville Police
Departments Narcotics Investigator, Inv. Jackson is
also very active in the Tennessee Drug Task Force.
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.
The Violent Crimes Response Team is a new unit
within the department. It is comprised of members of
Investigations and Patrol. Members of the unit are
assigned to a major violent crime and assist with
it’s investigation.
Lt. Williams is currently the President of the
National Alliance of Gang Investigators and also the
President of the Tennessee Gang Investigators
Association, as well as a founding board member.
Please click on the N.A.G.I.A or T.G.I.A web link
for more information
http://www.tn-gia.org
www.nagia.org
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for the Brownsville Police
Department?
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.
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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 3:00 p.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.
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The
Operations Division is headed by Lt. Chuck Willis.
Currently comprised of 22 officers, the Operations
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,
directors, and chiefs.
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1st Shift Supervisors: Lt. Jim Parks & Sgt. Jason Haynes
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2nd Shift Supervisors: Sgt. Jason Singleton & Cpl. Brad Davis
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3rd Shift Supervisors: Lt. Mark Covington & Sgt. Joe Ferguson
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Administration Division
The Administration Division is comprised of the
Records Unit, School Resource Officers, and
Training.
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 as 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 Training Unit falls under the command of the
Administrative Director. 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 Brownsville Police Department currently
utilizes two officers to fill the position of School
Resource Officer (SRO).
SRO Mitchell Turner is located at the Haywood
High School campus and has been the SRO since 2007.
SRO Turner has been in law enforcement since 1986.
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.
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Brownsville
Police Department purchases new Technology with
Federal Recovery funding

Chief of Police Chris Lea and Mayor Webb Banks with
new Police Equipment
The City of
Brownsville Police Department received three
different Federal Grants this year as part of
the Federal Recovery Program. One Grant, the
COPS-- CHRP grant pays for an additional Police
Officer for the next three years. At the end of
the three years the City will keep this officer
on the Police force. The other two grants were
awarded under the Justice Assistance Program.
These grants are for Law Enforcement equipment
relating to communication and officer safety.
The Police Department has purchased P25
compliant digital radios for all of the police
vehicles and portable radios for the officers.
An emergency tool used to end a police pursuit's
"stop Sticks" was purchased for every vehicle.
Officers received new Glock 40 caliber handguns
and special lights for these handguns. Three
additional TASERs were purchased for newly
certified officers. These purchases replace
items that were antiquate and in dire need of
replacement. This equipment will aid officers in
their daily activities and improve safety for
the citizens of Brownsville.
Special
Recognition
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). The Brownsville Police
Department also won in 2007 and 2008.
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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.
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