During a recent meeting of the Knoxville Police Department's committee, members emphasized their commitment to bias-free policing and the importance of community engagement. The committee reviewed the department's policy, which aims to preserve peace and maintain order while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens. This policy explicitly defines bias-based profiling, highlighting that no individual should be stopped or searched based solely on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, or economic status.

In a move to streamline discussions, the committee voted to forego a lengthy reading of the year-to-date operations report, making it clear that all documentation is available for public review both in physical copies and online. This transparency is part of the department's effort to keep the community informed and involved.

Additionally, the committee discussed the administrative closure of certain case files, indicating that these matters will be revisited in the future. Members also celebrated the conclusion of the city’s summer intern program, which produced a juvenile justice survey that will soon be accessible on the department's website. This survey aims to gather insights on police interactions with youth and will be shared with KPD leadership.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to publish the outcomes of recent listening sessions, further enhancing community dialogue and feedback. The meeting concluded with a special address from Sergeant Phyllis Tonkin, who is expected to provide additional insights into the department's initiatives and community relations.

These discussions reflect the Knoxville Police Department's ongoing efforts to foster trust and cooperation with the community, ensuring that policing practices are fair and inclusive.