Members of a Tennessee Senate Judiciary subcommittee held hearings this week in response to allegations of policing for profit in the state’s 24 drug task forces.
The subcommittee, headed by Chairman Mike Bell, heard reports of agents seizing drug money but never filing criminal charges; misspending taxpayer money; and misappropriating cars, jewels and other items seized from motorists for personal use or profit.
The hearings also found that boards overseeing the task forces have no statutory role, and in some cases, have never met or kept any minutes of meetings.
State auditors said yesterday they are working with task force boards on training and accountability, but several lawmakers say they’ll file legislation placing tighter controls on the task forces.
