PARC and KPD sign new operating agreement
December 1, 2022; 2:05 p.m.

KNOXVILLE -- The City of Knoxville Police Advisory and Review Committee and the Knoxville Police Department have formalized an operating agreement that will enhance PARC's role and involvement. In late November, KPD Chief Paul Noel and PARC Director Tiffany Davidson solidified and signed the documents, coming to terms on the first operating agreement in the 24-year history of PARC.

“The relationship between KPD and PARC has been effective so far,” said PARC Director Tiffany Davidson. “However, we felt it was necessary to clearly define each of our roles and the expectations that we have for one another. This written agreement provides the infrastructure needed to help ensure our work continues to be effective for the people of Knoxville for decades to come.”

"We take pride in being an organization that not only values transparency and accountability, but welcomes it,” said Chief Noel. “We feel strongly that this operating agreement will improve public trust and confidence in the investigative process. I appreciate PARC Director Tiffany Davidson and her team for their efforts to make this happen."

Chief Noel and Director Davidson worked together for several months to establish the formalized agreement that defines several functions. Highlights include:

• A formalized complaint process and expanded avenues for complaints to be submitted to PARC and forwarded to KPD for further investigation
• Regular meetings between KPD’s Chief and the PARC Directorbr> • Streamlined access to records and information
• Opportunities for PARC Director or Investigative Manager to observe any pre-disciplinary hearing
• Additional method for resolving certain, less serious complaints through third-party mediation

The new agreement can be found at KPD’s open records page. It goes into effect immediately.