TDOS Demotes Reaker Bass to Lieutenant
Monday, November 10, 2008 | 06:45am
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) today demoted Reaker Bass from Captain to Lieutenant. Bass has been reassigned to the Cookeville District effective immediately. Today’s demotion is a management decision made by Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell.
Following Lieutenant Bass’ promotion to Captain of the Memphis District, an investigation was initiated in September by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the THP Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The internal investigation stemmed from a complaint related to possible violations by Lieutenant Bass as Secretary-Treasurer of the THP Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in Cookeville.
“Lieutenant Bass used poor judgment in the management of funds as Secretary-Treasurer of the FOP chapter in Cookeville and was not forthcoming about some apparent financial discrepancies during the interview process prior to his recent promotion to Memphis District Captain,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker. “While there is no evidence at this time that Lieutenant Bass did anything criminal, the investigation is on-going.”
The actions of Lieutenant Bass involving the FOP were not related to his official responsibilities as Lieutenant with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Lieutenant Bass served as the Administrative Lieutenant in the THP Cookeville District from May 2007 until his promotion to Captain of the Memphis District on September 9, 2008. The THP Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is also conducting a complete and thorough investigation into possible criminal violations.
Bass was placed on administrative leave with pay, Monday, September 22, 2008, pending the investigation into an internal complaint brought to Cookeville District Captain David Allred. Bass, a native of Whiteville, Tennessee in Hardeman County, was commissioned as a Road Trooper in Putnam County in January 1989.
It is the policy of the Department of Safety to warn, suspend, demote or dismiss any employee whenever just or legal cause exists. Employees shall not commit any act that would reflect discredit upon themselves and/or the Department while on or off duty.
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.