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KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness During Month of May

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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 Promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness During Month of May
DATE: May 7, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Departmentis partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to promote motorcycle safety during the month of May, which is nationally recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Agencies participate by providing information and increasing awareness in their communities about the importance of sharing the road and looking twice for motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists will be out in force as the weather gets warmer, which is why it is the perfect time for us to remind the community about the vulnerability of motorcycle riders. All motorists need to know how to anticipate and respond to motorcyclists to avoid crashes.

According to the THSO, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 27 TIMES more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and FIVE TIMES more likely to be injured.

Here are a few safe driving tips to prevent crashing with a motorcycle:

• Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.

• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.

• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.

• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.

• Always allow ample follow distance – three to four seconds – when driving behind a motorcycle. This gives riders more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

According to preliminary data provided by Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN), there were 2,670 motorcycle crashes statewide last year. Of those crashes, 151 were fatal.

Remember to Look Twice, and do your part to keep everyone safe on our roads.

To view a 30 second motorcycle safety public service announcement video, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqfo9ID_XzQ

For additional information on motorcycle safety, please visit:

https://tntrafficsafety.org/look-twice

or

https://tntrafficsafety.org/motorcycles

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for Communications Specialist in Kingsport 911 (Final Notice)

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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: Applications Being Accepted for Communications Specialist in Kingsport 911 (Final Notice)
DATE: May 6, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Final Notice: Only a few days remain to apply to become a Communications Specialist with Kingsport 911.

As previously released:

Reminder: Approximately one week remains to apply for the position of Communications Specialist with Kingsport 911.

As previously released:

The City of Kingsport is currently accepting applications for the position of Communications Specialist to serve in the Kingsport 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center. Communications Specialists, also known as Dispatchers, are the calm, yet highly trained, voice on the phone whenever a citizen calls 9-1-1 for assistance in an emergency.

Starting salary is $15.08 per hour or $31,370 annually. Pay incentives are negotiable for applicants with prior 9-1-1 dispatch experience. City of Kingsport employee benefits include direct payroll deposit; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; employee life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance; long-term disability; health insurance; optional dental insurance; flexible spending accounts; ICMA RC 401 retirement; and optional ICMA RC 457 retirement.

Applications are being accepted through Sunday, May 9, 2021. All applications must be submitted online by visiting the following link:

https://www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Kingsport

The Communications Specialists of Kingsport Central Dispatch process roughly a quarter of a million telephone calls annually. Approximately twenty percent (50,000) of these calls are emergency calls to 9-1-1. Although a division of the Kingsport Police Department, Kingsport Central Dispatch also provides services for the Kingsport Fire Department, Sullivan County E.M.S., Kingsport Life Saving Crew, and other city departments and functions.

Kingsport Central Dispatch moved into the current 7,500 square foot, state-of-the-art, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center in Downtown Kingsport in October 2015. Central Dispatch had previously been housed in a cramped 1,000 square foot space on the second floor of the Kingsport Justice Center since 1989. Prior to that, Central Dispatch operated out of the basement of the Civic Auditorium.

Kingsport Central Dispatch personnel serve under the supervision of the Executive Director of Kingsport 9-1-1, and include a Communications Supervisor, a Technical Services Coordinator, 4 Shift Leaders, and more than a dozen Communications Specialists, all of whom are Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified.

For additional information regarding Kingsport Central Dispatch, please visit the following links:

https://www.KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department/Administrative_Bureau/Central_Dispatch/

http://Kingsport911.org/

For assistance with the application process, please contact the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department by calling 423-229-9401. For questions regarding the position of Communications Specialist/Dispatcher, please call the Executive Director of Kingsport 9-1-1 at 423-229-9358.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for the Position of Kingsport Police Officer from April 24 through May 9, 2021 (Final Notice)

,

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: Applications Being Accepted for the Position of Kingsport Police Officer from April 24 through May 9, 2021 (Final Notice)
DATE: May 6, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Final Notice: Only a few days remain to apply for the position of Kingsport Police Officer.

As previously released:

Reminder: Approximately one week remains to apply for the position of Kingsport Police Officer.

As previously released:

The Kingsport Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer, and there is still plenty of time left to apply. See below for details.

As previously released:

The City of Kingsport Human Resources Department will be accepting applications for the position of Police Officer from April 24 through May 9, 2021. The Kingsport Police Department is hoping to hire several new officers out of this application process to fill any existing and upcoming vacancies. Those interested must submit a new application regardless of whether or not they have applied or tested with K.P.D. in the past.

Individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be a United States citizen and either already be at least 21 years of age or be turning 21 by no later than November 25, 2021. Applicants are asked to only submit their application once, as weeding out duplicate applications hampers efficiency. All applications must be submitted online using the following link:

https://www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Kingsport

Following the May 9th deadline, all applicants will receive a confirmation email, as well as a letter by traditional mail, containing further instructions regarding the upcoming Police Applicant Testing procedures, as well as the exact date that they are to report for testing.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A WRITTEN EXAMINATION AS PART OF THIS TESTING PROCESS.

All applicants will begin the testing process with a physical agility evaluation. The physical agility evaluation will be administered on both Monday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Applicants will be divided alphabetically and will be assigned one of these two dates and will be notified accordingly. These sessions will be conducted at Domtar Park, located at 1414 Riverport Road in Kingsport.

The physical agility evaluation will consist of a timed one-mile run and a timed roughly one-quarter-mile obstacle course designed to measure fitness, strength, agility, and endurance as related to the duties of a Police Officer. Individuals must have an application on file and sign a waiver of liability in order to be eligible to participate.

The applications of those candidates who successfully pass the physical agility evaluation will be reviewed for eligibility and suitability to move forward to the interview panel phase. General criteria to be considered for selection for an interview will be outlined in the confirmation email and letter each applicant will receive to notify them of their testing date.

Those applicants with the highest combined scores on the physical agility evaluation and interview panel will then be interviewed by the Chief of Police to determine the final selections. Those ultimately selected will also be subject to a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and a thorough background investigation prior to actual hiring.

The current starting salary for Police Officer Trainee is $16.64 per hour or $34,625 annually. Applicants who are already certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for a salary adjustment to compensate for prior experience if certain criteria are met. Academy training and all essential equipment including uniforms, firearms, body armor, and duty gear are provided by the department. K.P.D. also issues take-home police cruisers to officers meeting specific residency requirements.

City of Kingsport employee benefits include direct payroll deposit; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; employee life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance; long-term disability; health insurance; optional dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; ICMA RC 401 retirement; and optional ICMA RC 457 retirement.

For additional information regarding the application process, please call the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department at 423-229-9401. For additional information regarding a law enforcement career at the Kingsport Police Department, please call the K.P.D. Professional Standards Unit at 423-343-9805.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Attempting to Locate Missing 17 Year Old (Reissue)

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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 Attempting to Locate Missing 17 Year Old (Reissue)
DATE: May 6, 2021
CASE #: 21-001609
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The following is a reissuance of an earlier news release. Devon Wiles (now 17 years old) remains missing. Again, foul play is not suspected. Anyone who sees him or may know his current whereabouts is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

As previously released:

On the evening of January 23, 2021 Devon Wiles (17 year old male juvenile) was reported missing to the Kingsport Police Department. While foul play is not suspected, due to his minor age, Investigators are making every possible effort to locate him.

His description and photograph are included in this release. Anyone who sees him or may know his current whereabouts is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
MISSING JUVENILE INFORMATION
Name Devon Wiles
Age 17 years of age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 9 inches

195 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown hair

Blue eyes
Residency Kingsport, TN
Last Known Location 1600 block of Highland Street

Kingsport, TN

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Celebrating National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

,

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 Celebrating National Correctional Officers and Employees Week
DATE: May 6, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
May 2–8, 2021 is National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, an opportunity to honor all of the men and women serving in corrections. This year, it is more important than ever to thank and support these critical public servants as they perform their duties in an especially challenging time.

The Kingsport City Jail, a division of the Kingsport Police Department, is one of the few existing Type II (72-hour) Temporary Holding Facilities in the State of Tennessee. As such, it serves a critical function by providing short-term housing of individuals arrested in the City of Kingsport, without the arresting officer having to take significant valuable time off the street to make the round trip drive to the county jail every time he or she makes a custodial arrest.

The Kingsport City Jail staff consists of eight Corrections Officers, serving under the supervision of a Jail Administrator, who oversees all Kingsport City Jail operations. Please join the Kingsport Police Department as we recognize these hard-working individuals and thank them for a job well done.

On the first Saturday in May 1984, then-President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation calling upon the country to pay tribute to corrections professionals. This proclamation created National Correctional Officers Week, a week of commemoration of the work done by correctional officers — an honor many felt was long overdue.

“The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect,” stated Reagan in his May 5, 1984, proclamation 5187. “The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.”

In 1996, Congress changed the name of National Correctional Officers Week to National Correctional Officers and Employees Week to rightfully credit all of the men and women who serve by working in corrections. This is truly a special week to celebrate and bring awareness to the importance and significance of this profession. National Correctional Officers and Employees Week is a fitting occasion to honor, specifically, the dedicated public servants in our nation’s correctional systems.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

Lane Closure: West Center Street

City work crews will be making road repairs along West Center Street on Wednesday, May 5 starting around noon. During this time, the right lane will be closed near the intersection of W Sullivan St.

Motorists are urged to slow down, obey all traffic signs and use extreme caution when traveling in this area.

If you have any questions, please contact (423) 343-9823.

West Center Street lane closure map

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Detectives Working to Identify Person of Interest in Active Investigation

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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 Detectives Working to Identify Person of Interest in Active Investigation
DATE: May 4, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Kingsport Police Department Detectives are attempting to identify the white male adult in the accompanying photos who is a person of interest in an active investigation. He is believed to be traveling in what appears to be a mid-size, 4-door, possibly gray or green colored sedan which is also pictured in the photo array below.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further details are available for release at this time.

Anyone who recognizes him or his vehicle is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Searching for Missing Juvenile

,

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 Searching for Missing Juvenile
DATE: May 4, 2021
CASE #: 21-008590
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On April 27, 2021, Emmanuel Ray Bear (14 years of age) was reported as a missing juvenile to the Kingsport Police Department. While foul play is not suspected, due to his minor age, every possible effort is being made to locate him.

His photograph and detailed description have been included in this release. Anyone who sees him, or knows his current whereabouts, is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us
MISSING JUVENILE INFORMATION
Name Emmanuel Ray Bear
Age 14 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Height/

Weight

 5 feet 6 inches

150 pounds
Hair/Eyes Brown hair

Hazel eyes
Other Description N/A
Residency Kingsport, TN
Possible Clothing Black jogging pants

Black zip-up hooded sweatshirt

Black Nike slide sandals with orange and white logo
Last Known Location 1000 Stonegate Road

Kingsport, TN

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Detectives Seeking Identity of Auto Burglar

,

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: Detectives Seeking Identity of Auto Burglar
DATE: May 3, 2021
CASE #: 21-008240
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On the morning of April 22, 2021 an auto burglary at Quality Inn, located at 3004 Bays Meadow Place in Kingsport, was reported to the Kingsport Police Department. During the previous night, over $1,000 worth of tools was stolen from a guest’s truck that was parked in the parking lot.

Photos of a white male suspect and the vehicle in which he was traveling (dark-colored 2-door sport coupe with rear spoiler/possibly a 2000s model Toyota Celica), taken from surveillance video footage have been included in this release.

Anyone who recognizes him or his vehicle is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111.

Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for the Position of Kingsport Police Officer from April 24 through May 9, 2021 (3rd Notice)

,

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: Applications Being Accepted for the Position of Kingsport Police Officer from April 24 through May 9, 2021 (3rd Notice)
DATE: May 3, 2021
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Reminder: Approximately one week remains to apply for the position of Kingsport Police Officer.

As previously released:

The Kingsport Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer, and there is still plenty of time left to apply. See below for details.

As previously released:

The City of Kingsport Human Resources Department will be accepting applications for the position of Police Officer from April 24 through May 9, 2021. The Kingsport Police Department is hoping to hire several new officers out of this application process to fill any existing and upcoming vacancies. Those interested must submit a new application regardless of whether or not they have applied or tested with K.P.D. in the past.

Individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be a United States citizen and either already be at least 21 years of age or be turning 21 by no later than November 25, 2021. Applicants are asked to only submit their application once, as weeding out duplicate applications hampers efficiency. All applications must be submitted online using the following link:

https://www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/Kingsport

Following the May 9th deadline, all applicants will receive a confirmation email, as well as a letter by traditional mail, containing further instructions regarding the upcoming Police Applicant Testing procedures, as well as the exact date that they are to report for testing.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A WRITTEN EXAMINATION AS PART OF THIS TESTING PROCESS.

All applicants will begin the testing process with a physical agility evaluation. The physical agility evaluation will be administered on both Monday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Applicants will be divided alphabetically and will be assigned one of these two dates and will be notified accordingly. These sessions will be conducted at Domtar Park, located at 1414 Riverport Road in Kingsport.

The physical agility evaluation will consist of a timed one-mile run and a timed roughly one-quarter-mile obstacle course designed to measure fitness, strength, agility, and endurance as related to the duties of a Police Officer. Individuals must have an application on file and sign a waiver of liability in order to be eligible to participate.

The applications of those candidates who successfully pass the physical agility evaluation will be reviewed for eligibility and suitability to move forward to the interview panel phase. General criteria to be considered for selection for an interview will be outlined in the confirmation email and letter each applicant will receive to notify them of their testing date.

Those applicants with the highest combined scores on the physical agility evaluation and interview panel will then be interviewed by the Chief of Police to determine the final selections. Those ultimately selected will also be subject to a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and a thorough background investigation prior to actual hiring.

The current starting salary for Police Officer Trainee is $16.64 per hour or $34,625 annually. Applicants who are already certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for a salary adjustment to compensate for prior experience if certain criteria are met. Academy training and all essential equipment including uniforms, firearms, body armor, and duty gear are provided by the department. K.P.D. also issues take-home police cruisers to officers meeting specific residency requirements.

City of Kingsport employee benefits include direct payroll deposit; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; employee life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance; long-term disability; health insurance; optional dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; ICMA RC 401 retirement; and optional ICMA RC 457 retirement.

For additional information regarding the application process, please call the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department at 423-229-9401. For additional information regarding a law enforcement career at the Kingsport Police Department, please call the K.P.D. Professional Standards Unit at 423-343-9805.
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton
Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee