We act with urgency

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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WVLT) – Knoxville Deputy Mayor Gwen McKenzie told WVLT News Gwendolyn Ducre on Thursday that she wanted to see changes in the Knoxville Police Department after learning of allegations of racial allegations .

At this point, I need Chief Thomas to act more aggressively to respond to these allegations, McKenzie said. This is nothing new. These are things that we have heard about over the years.

McKenzie did not give details of the allegations, but said she has had several conversations with agents and is asking for a cultural change.

Later in the day, Mayor Indya Kincannon and Chief Eve Thomas sent separate statements regarding inclusion, racism and culture.

We are committed to addressing the many difficult challenges we face, Thomas said in a statement. I do this, the mayor does, and our officers do it every day as they work to keep our community safe. We are urgently acting to address difficult issues and eliminate any cultural issue that threatens to compromise the integrity of the department and the public trust.

In a series of tweets, Kincannon highlighted the work she and her office have done to promote best practices with KPD, which includes harassment and diversity training for all KPD employees, updated policies on the use of force and the code of conduct and launched a joint response. program.

I have confidence in our police department. I trust Chief Thomas and trust our officers, Kincannon said in a written statement. I need and trust Chief Thomas to move the KPD forward amid these challenges that we and communities across the country face. We need to tackle these issues together, not crush each other.

Mckenzie told WVLT News she didn’t think the department as a whole was racist, but said there were some disturbing occurrences.

More recently, the KPD reported that an off-duty KPD officer was knocked out by a black man last month. KPD reported that the man accused the officer of repeatedly making racist comments towards the man. According to a police report, the man said the officer said he was unaware they were letting black people into the reception hall.

No arrests or charges have been filed in connection with the incident.

Earlier this year, another officer resigned and another was sanctioned after a photo surfaced online showing a child dressed in blackface.

McKenzie did not immediately respond to WVLT News’ request to respond to comments from chiefs and mayors.

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