• Facebook
  • Youtube
|
Kingsport, TN
  • Residents
    • Explore Kingsport
      • Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
      • Kingsport Aquatic Center
      • Kingsport Birding Trail
      • Kingsport Library
      • Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts
      • Kingsport Farmers Market Pavilion
    • Resident Information
      • KATS – Kingsport Area Transit System
      • Education
      • Leisure Services
      • Parks & Recreation
      • Senior Center
      • Safety Preparedness: COVID-19 Response
    • Associations & Commisions
      • Downtown Kingsport Association
      • Your Neighborhood Commission
  • Businesses
    • Economic Information
      • Developer Tools
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Partners
    • Coming to Kingsport
      • Available Properties
      • Incentives
      • What’s Happening?
  • City Services
    • Building & Development
      • Building
      • Code Enforcement
      • Community Development
      • Engineering
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Metro Transportation Planning
    • Utilities & Services
      • For Emergencies, please Dial 9-1-1
      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sanitation
      • Public Works
      • Streets & Landscaping
      • Purchasing
      • Water Services
    • City Information
      • Customer Service
      • Records Management
      • Human Resources
      • Maps
  • News
  • Jobs
  • Government
    • Government Information
      • Agendas & Minutes
      • Board of Mayor & Aldermen
      • City Budget
      • Finance
    • Stay Connected
      • News
      • Comments or Questions
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / Police Department2 / Police Blog

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. to Participate in National Drug Take-Back Day Event on Saturday October 29th

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: K.P.D. to Participate in National Drug Take-Back Day Event on Saturday October 29th
DATE: October 21, 2022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the Kingsport Police Department will be participating in a community drug take-back event. This event will take place in the parking lot in front of Dobyns-Bennett High School, located at 1 Tribe Way, in Kingsport. This event is sponsored by the United Way of Greater Kingsport, the Kingsport Police Department, and the Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition.

Between now and Saturday, October 29th, all area residents are encouraged to go through their medicine cabinets and inventory their medications. Now is the time to safely dispose of any leftover, expired, or otherwise unwanted medications. This community drug take-back event is open to the public and is a prime opportunity and the preferred method to safely dispose of any medications that are no longer needed.

The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors two National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days each year, in April and October. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days aim to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

While the DEA does recognize these two annual days, at the Kingsport Police Department, we like to think of every day as Drug Take-Back Day. K.P.D. has been participating in drug take-back initiatives since 2010 and installed a permanent drug collection box in the lobby of the Kingsport Justice Center, located at 200 Shelby Street in Downtown Kingsport, in 2012. Our box is accessible 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year. To date, K.P.D. has been able to safely incinerate over 20,000 pounds (10 tons) of leftover, unwanted, or expired medications.

The goals of this program are to keep drugs off the street, prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings, and avoid environmental contamination. Drugs that can be accepted include prescription, over the counter (OTC), vitamins, herbals, supplements, and veterinary medications. Items that are not accepted through this program include needles or sharps, biohazard materials, and illegal drugs.

For more information on the DEA’s National Take-Back Day initiative, please visit the following links:

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

https://takebackday.dea.gov/

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

October 21, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-1-40.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-10-21 17:35:152022-10-26 08:21:39KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. to Participate in National Drug Take-Back Day Event on Saturday October 29th

KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for K.P.D. Corrections Officer

Police Blog, Police Department

Kingsport Police Department

DalePhipps, 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 K.P.D. Corrections Officer
DATE: October 21, 2022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The City of Kingsport Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Corrections Officer with the Kingsport Police Department. Individuals 18 years of age or older who are interested in a criminal justice career are encouraged to apply.

All applications must be submitted online using the following link:

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

Please note that there are separate job postings for male and female applicants, but BOTH are currently open.

In order to be considered for an interview, applications must be submitted by no later than Saturday, November 5, 2022.

The salary for a Kingsport Police Department Corrections Officer has recently been increased and starts at $15.37 per hour or $31,969 per year. 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; and education tuition and fitness membership reimbursements.

The current retirement plan through December 31, 2022 is the Mission Square 401 fund with matching, plus an optional Mission Square 457 fund.

The new retirement plan that will go into effect on January 1, 2023 is the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Hybrid Plan consisting of both a Defined Benefit (Pension) and a Defined Contribution (401), plus an optional 457 fund.

Anyone hired in 2022 will be enrolled in the current retirement plan. On January 1, 2023 those employees may then choose to either keep the current plan or transition to the new plan. Anyone hired in 2023 will be automatically enrolled in the new retirement plan.

For additional information regarding the application process, please call the City of Kingsport Human Resources Department at 423-229-9401. For additional information regarding the Corrections Officer position, please call the K.P.D. Jail Administrator at 423-229-9424.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

October 21, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-64.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-10-21 15:09:082022-10-26 08:21:39KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for K.P.D. Corrections Officer

KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for Communications Specialist in Kingsport 911

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: Applications Being Accepted for Communications Specialist in Kingsport 911
DATE: September 29, 2022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
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 $16.15 per hour or $31,597 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 and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; and education tuition and fitness membership reimbursements.

The current retirement plan through December 31, 2022 is the Mission Square 401 fund with matching, plus an optional Mission Square 457 fund.

The new retirement plan that will go into effect on January 1, 2023 is the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Hybrid Plan consisting of both a Defined Benefit (Pension) and a Defined Contribution (401), plus an optional 457 fund.

Anyone hired in 2022 will be enrolled in the current retirement plan. On January 1, 2023 those employees may then choose to either keep the current plan or transition to the new plan. Anyone hired in 2023 will be automatically enrolled in the new retirement plan.

In order to be considered for any current openings, applications must be received by Sunday, October 9, 2022. 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 when fully staffed include a Communications Supervisor, a Technical Services Coordinator, 4 Shift Leaders, and 16 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) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton

September 29, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-3-34.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-09-29 19:55:582022-10-26 08:21:38KPD e-News Release: Applications Being Accepted for Communications Specialist in Kingsport 911

KPD e-News Release Test

Police Blog, Police Department

Test

September 29, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png 0 0 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-09-29 14:47:412022-10-26 08:21:38KPD e-News Release Test

KPD e-News Release: 4 Vehicle Crash Injures 3-Shuts Down Interstate 81 for 7 hours (Update)

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: 4 Vehicle Crash Injures 3—Shuts Down Interstate 81 for 7 hours (Update)
DATE: September 26, 2022
CASE #: 22-017914
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: On the morning of September 25, 2022, Jonathan Alexander Merritt succumbed to his injuries sustained in the September 10th crash and died while still hospitalized. The associated investigation remains active and ongoing by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit.

As previously released:

On September 10, 2022 at approximately 12:40 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 near exit 63 (Airport Parkway) in Kingsport. Due to the serious and complex nature of the crash, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Their subsequent investigation determined the following:

A dark blue 2019 Ram 1500 pickup was northbound on I-81. Meanwhile, a white 2018 Ford Transit van, a white Freightliner tractor-trailer, and a white Chevrolet 1500 pickup were all traveling southbound on I-81. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram pickup crossed the grass median and began traveling north directly into southbound traffic. The Ram pickup struck the side of the Ford van and then the front of the Freightliner tractor-trailer.

The Chevrolet pickup then ran off the right side of the road to avoid colliding with the other vehicles, but ended up traveling up an embankment, striking a tree, and rolling over. The Ram pickup caught on fire which further damaged it. The fire then spread to the double trailers (owned by FedEx) which were being pulled by the Freightliner.

The driver and passenger of the Freightliner sustained suspected minor injuries and were transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ram pickup, Jonathan Alexander Merritt (29 years of age of Salisbury, MD), sustained suspected major injuries and was also transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for treatment. As of the latest information received, he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The crash resulted in the complete closure of southbound I-81 and partial closure of northbound I-81 for approximately seven hours. Temporary detours were put in place by TDOT during the closure. By 8:00 PM, all lanes were back open, and normal traffic patterns had resumed.

This crash remains under open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.

COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #1
Make Ram
Model 1500
Year 2019
Type Full-size Pickup
Color Dark Blue
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Jonathan Alexander Merritt
Age 29 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Salisbury, MD
Injuries Suspected Major Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #2
Make Ford
Model Transit
Year 2018
Type Large Van
Color White
Damage Functional Damage
Driver Name Ariel Alberto Garza
Age 50 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Brownsville, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Adolfo Aguilar Banda
Age 61 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Dallas, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Florencio Gonzalez
Age 41 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Starr, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Luis Angel Nunez
Age 22 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Monte Alto, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Norge Zamora Vazquez
Age 31 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Houston, TX
Injuries No Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #3
Make Freightliner
Model Tractor-Trailer
Year 2017
Type Tractor-Trailer
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Leandr Del Rosario Leon
Age 41 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Philadelphia, PA
Injuries Suspected Minor Injury
Passenger Name Leon Tyrese Goode, Jr.
Age 30 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Philadelphia, PA
Injuries Suspected Minor Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #4
Make Chevrolet
Model 1500
Year 2020
Type Pickup
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Max Alfonso Hidalgo
Age 53 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Fort Bend, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Darren Dewayne Taplin, Jr.
Age 28 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Centreville, MS
Injuries No Injury
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

September 26, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-2-37.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-09-26 14:39:302022-10-26 08:21:37KPD e-News Release: 4 Vehicle Crash Injures 3-Shuts Down Interstate 81 for 7 hours (Update)

KPD e-News Release: 4 Vehicle Crash Injures 3-Shuts Down Interstate 81 for 7 hours

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: 4 Vehicle Crash Injures 3—Shuts Down Interstate 81 for 7 hours
DATE: September 11, 2022
CASE #: 22-017914
GENERAL NARRATIVE
On September 10, 2022 at approximately 12:40 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 near exit 63 (Airport Parkway) in Kingsport. Due to the serious and complex nature of the crash, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Their subsequent investigation determined the following:

A dark blue 2019 Ram 1500 pickup was northbound on I-81. Meanwhile, a white 2018 Ford Transit van, a white Freightliner tractor-trailer, and a white Chevrolet 1500 pickup were all traveling southbound on I-81. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram pickup crossed the grass median and began traveling north directly into southbound traffic. The Ram pickup struck the side of the Ford van and then the front of the Freightliner tractor-trailer.

The Chevrolet pickup then ran off the right side of the road to avoid colliding with the other vehicles, but ended up traveling up an embankment, striking a tree, and rolling over. The Ram pickup caught on fire which further damaged it. The fire then spread to the double trailers (owned by FedEx) which were being pulled by the Freightliner.

The driver and passenger of the Freightliner sustained suspected minor injuries and were transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ram pickup, Jonathan Alexander Merritt (29 years of age of Salisbury, MD), sustained suspected major injuries and was also transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for treatment. As of the latest information received, he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The crash resulted in the complete closure of southbound I-81 and partial closure of northbound I-81 for approximately seven hours. Temporary detours were put in place by TDOT during the closure. By 8:00 PM, all lanes were back open, and normal traffic patterns had resumed.

This crash remains under open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, no further details are available for release at this time.

COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #1
Make Ram
Model 1500
Year 2019
Type Full-size Pickup
Color Dark Blue
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Jonathan Alexander Merritt
Age 29 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Salisbury, MD
Injuries Suspected Major Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #2
Make Ford
Model Transit
Year 2018
Type Large Van
Color White
Damage Functional Damage
Driver Name Ariel Alberto Garza
Age 50 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Brownsville, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Adolfo Aguilar Banda
Age 61 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Dallas, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Florencio Gonzalez
Age 41 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Starr, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Luis Angel Nunez
Age 22 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Monte Alto, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Norge Zamora Vazquez
Age 31 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Houston, TX
Injuries No Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #3
Make Freightliner
Model Tractor-Trailer
Year 2017
Type Tractor-Trailer
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Leandr Del Rosario Leon
Age 41 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Hispanic
Residency Philadelphia, PA
Injuries Suspected Minor Injury
Passenger Name Leon Tyrese Goode, Jr.
Age 30 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Philadelphia, PA
Injuries Suspected Minor Injury
COLLISION VEHICLE INFORMATION #4
Make Chevrolet
Model 1500
Year 2020
Type Pickup
Color White
Damage Disabling Damage
Driver Name Max Alfonso Hidalgo
Age 53 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/White
Residency Fort Bend, TX
Injuries No Injury
Passenger Name Darren Dewayne Taplin, Jr.
Age 28 Years of Age
Gender/Race Male/Black
Residency Centreville, MS
Injuries No Injury
RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

September 11, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image002-2-42.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-09-11 20:08:302022-10-26 08:21:37KPD e-News Release: 4 Vehicle Crash Injures 3-Shuts Down Interstate 81 for 7 hours

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Launches 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” Campaign for Charity (Reminder)

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: Kingsport Police Department Launches 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” Campaign for Charity (Reminder)
DATE: September 8, 2022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Beginning Thursday, September 1, 2022, area citizens may start noticing some stubble on the faces of some of Kingsport’s Police Officers. K.P.D. is launching its 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” campaign to raise funds for a very worthwhile cause.

While Kingsport Police Department policies typically require employees to maintain a traditional conservative appearance, this Fall, K.P.D. will temporarily relax these standards and allow employees to select one of the following options:

· Employees may choose to grow and maintain a neatly-groomed beard.

· Employees may choose to wear blue jeans on Fridays (non-uniformed personnel only).

· Employees may choose to wear a solid-color ribbon in one of the traditionally associated cause awareness colors.

Last year’s campaign started off as “No-Shave November” and eventually expanded to “No-Shave November & December;” however, the “No-Shave Fall-vember” campaign this year will incorporate the four months of September, October, November, and December. Last year’s campaign successfully raised $12,250, all of which was donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

All K.P.D. employees are being encouraged to participate. In order to take part in this year’s campaign, employees are asked to make a $40 donation to the K.P.D. Employee Fund for each month of the campaign. If an employee wishes to participate in all four months, their donation would be $160. As wearing blue jeans on Friday only involves one day per week, that option only requires a $25 donation per month or $100 for all four months.

Arrangements have also been made where citizens, businesses, and other organizations can join K.P.D.’s campaign by becoming a community partner sponsor. The following sponsorship tiers are available:

· Diamond Level Sponsor $5,000

· Platinum Level Sponsor $2,500

· Gold Level Sponsor $1,000

· Silver Level Sponsor $500

· Bronze Level Sponsor $250

· Blue Level Sponsor (Individual Officer Matching) $160

K.P.D. is also extremely pleased to announce that Holston Medical Group (HMG) has already committed to be a Diamond Level Sponsor. This is the second year that HMG has pledged $5,000 to this campaign. The Kingsport Area Safety Council (KASC) has committed to be a Gold Level Sponsor, pledging $1,000 toward the campaign. We anticipate that other community partners will join us in our fund-raising efforts throughout the campaign.

While certainly not required, in addition to their own participation, all K.P.D. employees are being challenged to obtain a Blue Level Sponsorship from a friend or family member to match their own individual donation.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor may contact the K.P.D. Professional Standards Unit at 423-229-9433.

Cash donations must be hand-delivered. Donations by check may either be hand-delivered or mailed. Checks should be written to “K.P.D. Employee Fund” with “No-Shave Fall-vember” written in the memo line on the bottom left of the check.

Mailed checks must be received by December 31st and should be sent to:

K.P.D. Employee Fund

No-Shave Fall-vember Campaign

200 Shelby Street

Kingsport, TN 37660

All monies raised through K.P.D.’s “No-Shave Fall-vember” campaign will be donated to local children’s charities and non-profits. This year, upon completion of the campaign, all funds raised will be evenly distributed between the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport and Girls Inc.

“Today, more than ever, we see how organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport and Girls Inc. are making a difference in the lives of young people in our community. By providing a safe environment and positive programs in academics, athletics, leadership, life-skills, and character-development, they are positively impacting our next generation of citizens and directing them down the path toward success,” said Chief of Police Dale Phipps. “I genuinely hope that each of you consider making a contribution to this worthy cause. It is imperative that organizations that are dedicated to making investments into children’s lives have the proper funding in order to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate than others. We want to express our sincere appreciation to all employees, citizens, and our community partners for their generous support toward this campaign.”

Effective January 1, 2023, K.P.D. employees will return to the traditional conservative appearance standards that citizens have come to expect.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

September 8, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-1-39.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-09-08 13:53:062022-10-26 08:21:36KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Launches 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” Campaign for Charity (Reminder)

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Announces Fall 2022 Police Applicant Testing Session with Plans to Hire Several Officers (Reminder)

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: K.P.D. Announces Fall 2022 Police Applicant Testing Session with Plans to Hire Several Officers (Reminder)
DATE: September 8, 2022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department has scheduled the next Police Applicant Testing Session for Tuesday, September 27, 2022 in anticipation of hiring several officers to fill any existing and upcoming vacancies. While K.P.D. now accepts applications year-round, in order to participate in this upcoming session, applications must be received by absolutely no later than Sunday, September 11, 2022. Any applications received after that date will be held until the next testing session.

Individuals who are interested in a rewarding career with a professional law enforcement agency are strongly 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 March 27, 2023. All applications must be submitted online using the following link:

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

Following the September 11th 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, time, and location 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 Tuesday, September 27, 2022. This session 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, endurance, and perseverance 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 which will be conducted during the following week of October 3-7, 2022. General criteria to be considered for selection for an interview will be outlined in the confirmation email and letter each applicant will receive.

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 has recently been increased to $18.73 per hour or $38,962 annually. Applicants who are already certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for additional salary adjustments 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 response-time 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; education tuition and fitness membership reimbursements, Mission Square 401 retirement; and optional Mission Square 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 423-229-9433.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

September 8, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-63.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-09-08 13:47:142022-10-26 08:21:36KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Announces Fall 2022 Police Applicant Testing Session with Plans to Hire Several Officers (Reminder)

KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Launches 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” Campaign for Charity

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: Kingsport Police Department Launches 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” Campaign for Charity
DATE: TBD
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Beginning Thursday, September 1, 2022, area citizens may start noticing some stubble on the faces of some of Kingsport’s Police Officers. K.P.D. is launching its 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” campaign to raise funds for a very worthwhile cause.

While Kingsport Police Department policies typically require employees to maintain a traditional conservative appearance, this Fall, K.P.D. will temporarily relax these standards and allow employees to select one of the following options:

· Employees may choose to grow and maintain a neatly-groomed beard.

· Employees may choose to wear blue jeans on Fridays (non-uniformed personnel only).

· Employees may choose to wear a solid-color ribbon in one of the traditionally associated cause awareness colors.

Last year’s campaign started off as “No-Shave November” and eventually expanded to “No-Shave November & December;” however, the “No-Shave Fall-vember” campaign this year will incorporate the four months of September, October, November, and December. Last year’s campaign successfully raised $12,250, all of which was donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

All K.P.D. employees are being encouraged to participate. In order to take part in this year’s campaign, employees are asked to make a $40 donation to the K.P.D. Employee Fund for each month of the campaign. If an employee wishes to participate in all four months, their donation would be $160. As wearing blue jeans on Friday only involves one day per week, that option only requires a $25 donation per month or $100 for all four months.

Arrangements have also been made where citizens, businesses, and other organizations can join K.P.D.’s campaign by becoming a community partner sponsor. The following sponsorship tiers are available:

· Diamond Level Sponsor $5,000

· Platinum Level Sponsor $2,500

· Gold Level Sponsor $1,000

· Silver Level Sponsor $500

· Bronze Level Sponsor $250

· Blue Level Sponsor (Individual Officer Matching) $160

K.P.D. is also extremely pleased to announce that Holston Medical Group (HMG) has already committed to be a Diamond Level Sponsor. This is the second year that HMG has pledged $5,000 to this campaign. The Kingsport Area Safety Council (KASC) has committed to be a Gold Level Sponsor, pledging $1,000 toward the campaign. We anticipate that other community partners will join us in our fund-raising efforts throughout the campaign.

While certainly not required, in addition to their own participation, all K.P.D. employees are being challenged to obtain a Blue Level Sponsorship from a friend or family member to match their own individual donation.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor may contact the K.P.D. Professional Standards Unit at 423-229-9433.

Cash donations must be hand-delivered. Donations by check may either be hand-delivered or mailed. Checks should be written to “K.P.D. Employee Fund” with “No-Shave Fall-vember” written in the memo line on the bottom left of the check.

Mailed checks must be received by December 31st and should be sent to:

K.P.D. Employee Fund

No-Shave Fall-vember Campaign

200 Shelby Street

Kingsport, TN 37660

All monies raised through K.P.D.’s “No-Shave Fall-vember” campaign will be donated to local children’s charities and non-profits. This year, upon completion of the campaign, all funds raised will be evenly distributed between the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport and Girls Inc.

“Today, more than ever, we see how organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport and Girls Inc. are making a difference in the lives of young people in our community. By providing a safe environment and positive programs in academics, athletics, leadership, life-skills, and character-development, they are positively impacting our next generation of citizens and directing them down the path toward success,” said Chief of Police Dale Phipps. “I genuinely hope that each of you consider making a contribution to this worthy cause. It is imperative that organizations that are dedicated to making investments into children’s lives have the proper funding in order to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate than others. We want to express our sincere appreciation to all employees, citizens, and our community partners for their generous support toward this campaign.”

Effective January 1, 2023, K.P.D. employees will return to the traditional conservative appearance standards that citizens have come to expect.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

August 29, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-5-23.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-08-29 19:23:262022-10-26 08:21:35KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Department Launches 2nd Annual “No-Shave Fall-vember” Campaign for Charity

KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Announces Fall 2022 Police Applicant Testing Session with Plans to Hire Several Officers (Reminder)

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: K.P.D. Announces Fall 2022 Police Applicant Testing Session with Plans to Hire Several Officers (Reminder)
DATE: August 25, 2022
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department has scheduled the next Police Applicant Testing Session for Tuesday, September 27, 2022 in anticipation of hiring several officers to fill any existing and upcoming vacancies. While K.P.D. now accepts applications year-round, in order to participate in this upcoming session, applications must be received by absolutely no later than Sunday, September 11, 2022. Any applications received after that date will be held until the next testing session.

Individuals who are interested in a rewarding career with a professional law enforcement agency are strongly 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 March 27, 2023. All applications must be submitted online using the following link:

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

Following the September 11th 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, time, and location 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 Tuesday, September 27, 2022. This session 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, endurance, and perseverance 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 which will be conducted during the following week of October 3-7, 2022. General criteria to be considered for selection for an interview will be outlined in the confirmation email and letter each applicant will receive.

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 has recently been increased to $18.73 per hour or $38,962 annually. Applicants who are already certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for additional salary adjustments 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 response-time 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; education tuition and fitness membership reimbursements, Mission Square 401 retirement; and optional Mission Square 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 423-229-9433.

RELEASING OFFICER
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton

August 25, 2022
https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-4-27.jpg 106 88 Kingsport Police Department https://www.kingsporttn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LOGO-KPT-COLOR.png Kingsport Police Department2022-08-25 16:26:542022-10-26 08:21:34KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Announces Fall 2022 Police Applicant Testing Session with Plans to Hire Several Officers (Reminder)
Page 1 of 253123›»

Recent City News

  • Kingsport’s sanitation services receive comprehensive review March 21, 2023
  • Board of Mayor & Aldermen Strategic Planning Session March 20, 2023
  • Kingsport hosting outdoor “glow” pickleball event March 17, 2023
  • Update on street resurfacing work in Kingsport March 15, 2023
  • Show support with a Bays Mountain license plate March 14, 2023
  • Register now for Kingsport’s Adult Softball League March 13, 2023
  • KATS launches survey for passenger feedback March 13, 2023
  • Information Resources: Board of Mayor and Aldermen March 10, 2023

KINGSPORTTN.GOV

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Web Accessibility
  • ADA Compliance
  • Privacy Statement
  • Human Resources
  • Contact Us

Quick Links

  • Information Resources
  • Fraud, Waste & Abuse
  • Job Opportunities
  • Site Map
  • Special Event Application
  • Voting & Elections

Notices

  • Notices & Outages
  • BMA Agendas & Minutes
  • Progress Edition 2022
  • Model City Momentum – State of the City 2022

Partners

  • Downtown Kingsport
  • Kingsport City Schools
  • Kingsport Chamber
  • Move To Kingsport
  • Visit Kingsport
Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee

© 2023 The City of Kingsport, Tennessee • Privacy Policy
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
Scroll to top
Pay Your Bills Online

Paying your utility, miscellaneous receivables bill or building permits payment has never been easier! Click the link below to be directed to Click2Gov, the online payment system that allows users to view their account and pay with a credit or debit card through the secure website.

Pay your red light citation bill online by clicking the button below. You will be redirected to the payment page.

 

Pay Water (Utility) Bill
Pay Red Light Citation
Pay Other Receivables
Online Tax Payments
Building Permit Payments

Report Non-Emergency

To report a non-emergency, please use the new ConnectKingsport app.


 
ConnectKingsport is the app for everything Kingsport! From potholes and damaged street signs to other local issues that need attention, ConnectKingsport makes reporting an issue easier than ever. This app uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from. The app also allows you to upload pictures or videos to accompany your request. Residents can track the status of reports they or other members of the community have submitted until the issue is resolved.

You can also use the app to find information about the City of Kingsport with links to the city website, animal services, ongoing events and more. Download the free app today to be a part of making Kingsport a great place to live, work and play!

To download the free app, please search for it on the Apple App Store or on Google Play. You can also use the online portal below.


Please note that the use of ConnectKingsport is intended for the reporting of non-emergency issues only. If you need immediate Police or Fire response, please call 911.

 

Download on the Apple App Store
Download on the Google Play Store
Online Portal

X