Evidence Presented in Wyvern Police Department Harassment Investigation

In a recent formal hearing held by the Tennessee POST Commission, significant discussions emerged regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct involving police officers and a candidate for employment at the Wyvern Police Department. The hearing, which took place on August 29, 2025, focused on text messages exchanged between Officer McGowan and Megan Hall, a candidate for the department.

The testimony revealed that the text messages contained graphic descriptions and inappropriate content, raising serious concerns about potential sexual harassment. One witness confirmed that these messages could indeed constitute harassment, particularly given the context of their relationship, where McGowan was assigned to assist Hall during her hiring process.

Key points from the hearing included admissions from McGowan regarding the sharing of explicit images and the nature of their communications. It was noted that Hall had reached out to McGowan multiple times, but he often did not respond, leading to her frustration. This dynamic raised questions about the power imbalance and the appropriateness of their interactions, especially since Hall was a candidate under McGowan's guidance.

Additionally, the hearing touched on other allegations involving Officer McNaughton, who admitted to inappropriate physical contact with another individual during work hours. Despite these serious allegations, he remains employed.

The discussions from this hearing highlight ongoing concerns about workplace conduct within law enforcement agencies and the need for clear policies to protect candidates and employees from harassment. As the commission continues to review these cases, the outcomes could have significant implications for the Wyvern Police Department and its hiring practices moving forward.