Nashville, Tennessee --- Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips issued the following statement this afternoon:

"I am notifying Commissioner Camp's office that the Department of Safety will conduct a comprehensive review of its management staffing levels. This is pursuant to the reorganization plan submitted by the department on April 16, 2004, and subsequently approved by Governor Bredesen. We want to make sure that any promotions made by the department are consistent with this reorganization plan.

We are going to do a thorough job, and we will not put a time frame on this process. This absolute, in-depth review of the department and its structure will give us the opportunity to assess management's span of control and accountability.

The department will not submit any candidates for promotion to the Department of Personnel until this review is complete and is approved by the Governor's office. Therefore, the current register will be cancelled."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.