Nashville, Tennessee --- On Wednesday, October 1, 2008, Trooper Charlene Green resigned in lieu of termination following allegations of neglect of duty for failing to submit traffic citations to courts of record.

Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell placed Trooper Green on administrative leave Friday September 26, 2008, pending an on-going internal investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) for gross misconduct and conduct unbecoming.

This action comes after the Department of Safety received an internal departmental complaint against Trooper Green. The Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting a thorough investigation into this complaint. The allegations include possible criminal violations, as well as violations of departmental policies. Despite her resignation, Ms. Green will forfeit her annual leave, her right to appeal through minimum due process, and will be recommended by Commissioner Mitchell not to be allowed future employment by the state of Tennessee. In addition, Colonel Mike Walker will notify the P.O.S.T. Commission of her conduct and request that she be decertified from employment in law enforcement.

On Monday, September 29, 2008, investigators with the THP Criminal Investigations Division (CID) initiated a formal investigation of possible criminal violations of falsifying documents. When the CID investigation is completed, a full report will be turned over to the District Attorney General for the 8th Judicial District for possible prosecution.

Former Trooper Green, 32, was commissioned in January 2004, and was assigned to Claiborne County in the Fall Branch District.

Pending the on-going criminal investigation, this is all the Department of Safety can release at this time.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.