TDOS Moves to Terminate Trooper Mark Williams Following Internal Probe
Friday, April 24, 2009 | 08:22am
NASHVILLE --- Today, the Department of Safety served Trooper Mark Williams with a “minimum due process” letter for termination.
Colonel Mike Walker recommended to Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell that Trooper Williams be terminated as disciplinary action following an internal investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The investigation followed the results of a random Commercial Driver License (CDL) drug test on March 16, 2009. Trooper Williams has a class “A” CDL and is required to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations on drug testing.
The OPR investigation revealed Trooper Williams tested positive for the drug amphetamine and failed to provide a valid medical reason for testing positive.
Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell stated, “The Department of Safety has a zero-tolerance policy for personnel who misuse and abuse drugs.”
The recommendation for dismissal is due to five (5) violations of either Department of Human Resources or Department of Safety policies. General Order 220 II Policy provides that commissioned members of the department, because of the tremendous responsibility placed on them, shall be drug free.
Trooper Williams was initially placed on administrative leave with pay on March 18, 2009 pending the investigation. On April 8, 2009, Trooper Williams was temporarily assigned to the Jackson Driver License Service Center in a non-law enforcement capacity and not allowed to carry his duty weapon nor drive a State vehicle. Trooper Williams, 41, was commissioned with the THP in 2004 and assigned to Crockett County in the Memphis District.
Effective today, April 24, 2009, Trooper Williams is placed on administrative leave with pay pending a “minimum due process” discussion scheduled for April 30, 2009. Pending due process, this is all the Department of Safety can provide 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.