Mister McGowan testifies on La Verne police hiring practices before commission

The Tennessee POST Commission held a formal hearing on August 29, 2025, focusing on allegations of harassment and concerns regarding police department practices in La Verne. The meeting began with testimony from Mister Patton, who discussed text messages exchanged between Mister McGowan and Chief Davis, which were characterized as a form of harassment. Patton clarified that these messages were shared post-termination and that no complaints had been made by any officers regarding these specific communications.

The discussion then shifted to a mentoring program within the La Verne police department. Patton described the program as informal, indicating that it was not governed by any city handbook or formal policies. This lack of structure raised questions about the program's oversight and effectiveness.

Following Patton's testimony, Mister Magalha called Mister McGowan to the stand. McGowan recounted his initial meeting with the mayor in October 2022, where he expressed concerns about hiring and promotion practices within the police department, specifically under Chief Davis. This meeting set the stage for the ongoing discussions regarding the department's internal issues.

The hearing concluded with no further questions from the commissioners, and the session was adjourned. The proceedings highlighted significant concerns about workplace conduct and the management of police department practices in La Verne, indicating potential areas for reform and oversight. Further actions or follow-ups from the commission are anticipated as the investigation continues.