March 2021 – Kingsport, TN

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Awarded CALEA Reaccreditation for Ninth Consecutive Time

	Kingsport Police Department Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		Kingsport Police Department Awarded CALEA Reaccreditation for Ninth Consecutive Time
DATE:		March 31, 2021

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On Friday, March 26, 2021, the Kingsport Police Department’s Chief of Police, Dale Phipps, Professional Standards Unit Supervisor, Lieutenant Chris Tincher, and Accreditation Manager, Sergeant Glenn Cradic, appeared before the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during their virtual Spring 2021 Conference where K.P.D. received “Advanced Meritorious Gold Standard Reaccreditation,” a distinguished award reserved for agencies that have been continuously accredited for fifteen years or more. The Kingsport Police Department has now successfully navigated through the accreditation process a total of nine times. First accredited through CALEA in 1992, the department has since maintained accreditation for over a quarter century, having been previously reaccredited in 1997, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. “For nearly three decades CALEA Accreditation has given the Kingsport Police Department the ability to hold our facilities, our policies, our individual officers, and our department as a whole to the absolute highest standards and recognized best practices of professional law enforcement services,” said Chief Phipps. “Our ongoing partnership with CALEA and this most recent Reaccreditation brings abundant resources to the City of Kingsport, as well as a tremendous sense of pride for the Kingsport Police Department and the community we are sworn to serve and protect.” The CALEA Accreditation program provides public safety agencies with an opportunity to voluntarily meet, and show proof of compliance with, an established set of 459 highly regarded and broadly recognized professional law enforcement standards, which require: Comprehensive and uniform written directives that clearly define authority, performance, and responsibilities Reports and analyses to make fact-based and informed management decisions Preparedness to address natural or man-made critical incidents Community relationship-building and maintenance Independent review by subject matter experts Continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and other assessment measures The purpose of CALEA is to improve the delivery of public safety services by maintaining a body of professional standards that support the administration of accreditation programs. CALEA Accreditation succeeds through: Agency Leadership Serves as a resource management tool Establishes trusted processes and best practices Provides a planning framework Encourages organizational growth and improvement Agency Personnel Ensures contemporary equipment and training Promotes sound operational decisions Establishes supportive personnel practices The Community Fosters community awareness Creates organizational transparency Promotes open dialogue and information-sharing For additional information regarding CALEA Accreditation, please visit www.CALEA.org.

RELEASING OFFICER

Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

March 31, 2021

Kingsport Public Library Celebrates National Library Week

City News

Next week, the Kingsport Public Library encourages all community members to visit their website to explore and access virtual services and programs in celebration of National Library Week. Kingsport Public Library offers a wide array of online resources that are available from the comfort of home, including Libby, hoopla, Tumblebooks, and Creativebug.

The week of April 4 – 10 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Welcome to your library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit virtually or in person, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community through learning, discovery and exploration.

During these challenging times, libraries of all types have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons. Libraries across the country are making a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources like online homework help and Wi-Fi access for students and workers who may lack internet access at home.

Kingsport Public Library is supporting the community by providing digital access at home with hotspots and Chromebooks available for check out. The library also offers a wide array of online resources that are available from the comfort of home, including Libby, hoopla, Tumblebooks and Creativebug.

This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting kingsportlibrary.org, following KPL on Facebook and Instagram and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

For more information, visit the library’s website at kingsportlibrary.org.

March 31, 2021

media report 033121

Daily Media Reports, Police Department

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March 31, 2021

Media Report 03/31/21

Daily Media Reports, Police Department

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March 31, 2021

Kingsport Publishes 2021 Progress Edition

City News

Want to stay in the loop about what’s happening in the City of Kingsport? In today’s Kingsport Times-News, you can view the 2021 Progress Edition for an overview of city projects both current and upcoming. You’ll also find updates from city partners and Kingsport City Schools on what the future holds. Here’s just some of what’s included in this year’s Progress Edition:

City Hall makes a move
Kingsport becomes relocation destination
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium celebrates 50 years
Tourism creates economic impact
New city app delivers services
Innovation thrives in Kingsport
Technology helps schools adapt to pandemic challenges

You can read this year’s Progress Edition right here.

March 31, 2021

Bays Mountain Park Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebrations

City News

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is celebrating 50 years of family fun and adventure in 2021, and you’re invited to a party that will last all year long.

On May 24, 1971, Bays Mountain Park opened the doors to the Nature Center, and has welcomed generations of Kingsport families into the park ever since. With a focus on education, preservation and wholesome outdoor fun, the park has become a staple attraction for the region, often referred to as Kingsport’s “crown jewel.”

“Our park staff is humbled and honored to be part of a destination that has had such a profound impact on so many lives and has helped so many create wonderful, vibrant memories,” Park Manager Rob Cole said.

This year, the park will celebrate its golden anniversary with special events, opportunities to get involved, commemorative merchandise and more. Throughout 2021, look for fun events and programs fit for everyone. Whether you love adventuring in the woods, learning about local history, or spending time with family, Bays Mountain Park is the place to be.

“This is such an exciting time for our community and our region,” said former Kingsport Mayor and BMP 50^th Year Celebration Committee Chair Jeanette Blazier. “The former mayors of the City of Kingsport are championing the efforts to make this a very special celebration.”

Join the park for Kids at Bays on Saturday, April 24 for a fun-filled family day from noon to 6 p.m. Featuring food trucks, live music, games, door prizes and more, all activities are free with park admission. Plus, kids can help celebrate the wolves’ birthday by making cards and decorating cupcakes!

May is Bays’ official anniversary month, and it’s jam-packed with fun activities all leading up to the big day, May 24, including:

Morning Yoga on first four Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Morning Kayak Tour on May 23, 9 a.m.
Guided History Hike on May 23, 2 p.m.
Anniversary Day Celebration on May 24, 1 p.m.

What else can you look forward to during Bays Mountain’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration? On social media, look out for oral history narratives of the park and other fun facts about the mountain. Bays Mountain Brewing Company will host “A Night with a Naturalist” events at the brewery, where you can sip some local brews while you learn a thing or two. On Father’s Day Weekend, June 19, the park will host Jeep Fest. There’s plenty of other events and programs in the works too, including VIP Barge Rides, Campfire Tales, a music festival and the return of the Laser Light Show!

There’s more than just events on the horizon to mark the 50^th Anniversary. Bays Mountain Park has spent the last few years making improvements to its facilities, from new exhibits in the Nature Center to additional parking. This year, BMP will begin construction of two new projects: a commemorative trail accessible to hikers and bikers of a variety of skill levels, and the new Fox Den play space, in memory of Parker Fox.

Want to deck yourself out in Bays Mountain merch to help celebrate? Visit baysmountain.com/merch to purchase limited edition t-shirts, hats, mugs, water bottles, stickers and more. Plus, be sure to keep an eye on that website—more designs will be released throughout the year. Proceeds will support 50^th anniversary initiatives.

One more way you can help out the park this year—buy yourself a drink! Bays Mountain Brewing Company has partnered with Bays Mountain Park to bring a new brew to their menu: “Celebrate 50! Bays Mountain Park Ale.” One dollar from every can sold will support trail maintenance projects at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. Looking for other ways to contribute? Bays Mountain Park also accepts donations.

More events and opportunities to make your mark on Kingsport’s beloved nature preserve will be announced throughout the year. To stay in the know, visit baysmountain.com and follow Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to spread your love for the mountain by tagging the park when you post pictures of your visits and adventures!

“We hope that in this 50^th year, the park’s legacy will not only be fondly remembered and celebrated,” Cole said, “but that the course for the next 50 years is set, ensuring that Bays Mountain serves the region as effectively as it has since its opening. That is the mission of Bays Mountain Park.”

To view the Bays Mountain Park 50^th Anniversary media kit, visit baysmountain.com/50years.

March 31, 2021

KPD e-News Release: Text to 911 Now an Option in Kingsport (Update #2)

Police Blog, Police Department

	Kingsport Police Department Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		Text to 911 Now an Option in Kingsport (Update #2)
DATE:		March 30, 2021

GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update #2: A third mobile carrier has enabled the Text to 911 service for its customers. Effective immediately, T-Mobile customers in the Kingsport Emergency Communications District will have the capability to Text to 911. All three major cellular telephone carriers in this area, to include Verizon, AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile, have now enabled this service for their customers. As previously released: Update: Effective immediately, Text to 911 is now available for both Verizon and AT&T Wireless customers in the Kingsport 911 Emergency Communications District. Other area cell phone carriers are expected to enable this service for their customers in the near future. As previously released: Effective immediately, some cellular telephone customers in the Kingsport 911 Emergency Communications District will be able to Text to 911. It is important to note that for the time being, this capability only exists for AT&T Wireless customers; however, other area cell phone carriers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, are expected to enable this service for their customers in the near future. While Text to 911 is now a possibility, we would like to strongly emphasize that calling should always be the preferred method for contacting 911. That’s why we are adopting the slogan, *“911: Call if you can. Text if you can’t.”* Just as when calling 911, texting 911 should only be done in the event of an actual emergency. Non-emergency calls to Kingsport Central Dispatch still need to be made to 423-246-9111, and that number is not able to receive text messages. Text to 911 is especially beneficial to those who are hearing- or speech-impaired, but citizens should only text 911 when calling 911 is unsafe or not possible. Examples include when: Callers can’t speak due to a threat, illness, or medical condition Callers have poor reception and can only send text messages Phone lines and cell phone towers are overwhelmed, and only texts can get through If you send a text message to 911, you should always try to include the following information: 1) Your name 2) Your location (specific address, intersection, or mile-marker) 3) The particular type of emergency you are experiencing (medical, fire, crime in progress, etc.) 4) Your telephone number (just in case the Caller ID feature were to fail to provide it) Don’t just send your initial text to 911 and then put your phone down and forget it! Texting 911 will be a two-way interactive conversation. You should be prepared to receive and respond to follow-up text messages from a Communications Specialist so that they can obtain any additional necessary information to enable them to provide the appropriate response to your emergency. Text to 911 may not always work due to a variety of factors beyond our control. If you send a text message to 911 and your carrier has not enabled this service, or if your text is inadvertently received by a neighboring dispatch center that is not set up for this service, you will receive a “bounce-back message” to instruct you to call 911 by voice instead. Try to have a back-up plan to allow you to call 911 if your message isn’t received. If you send a text to 911 and get no response whatsoever, you should assume that your text did not go through and find a way to make a voice call to 911 immediately. A few additional extremely important factors include: Emojis, ideograms, smileys, and GIFs should never be used. Text shorthand (TTYL, IIRC, IMHO, etc.) should never be used. Pictures and videos are not compatible with Text to 911 at this time, but they might be added at a later date. Messages need to be clear, concise, and written in plain and simple, easy to understand language.