TDOS Opens Criminal Inquiry of CID East Tennessee Office
Monday, July 27, 2009 | 07:49am
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) Commissioner Dave Mitchell has opened an internal investigation into potential misuse of funds within the department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) East Tennessee Region. As a result of the internal investigation, CID Special Agent in Charge Billy Grooms has resigned in lieu of termination.
The department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is conducting the investigation, which began after an internal audit was initiated at the direction of Commissioner Mitchell. The audit was performed by TDOS’s Internal Audit Division and Staff Inspections Unit. The audit and staff inspection discovered possible violations of departmental policy and procedures.
CID investigates, gathers evidence, and assists federal, state, and local law enforcement, when requested per T.C.A. 4-7-401 to include vehicular homicides and assaults, criminal matters, auto theft, identify theft, and insurance fraud.
The Internal Audit Division conducts audits and reviews of all levels of management to evaluate internal controls and to determine compliance with policy and procedures, while the Staff Inspections Unit reviews all organizational components to ensure compliance with national accreditation standards as well as departmental policies and procedures.
Special Agent Grooms, 55, is a 29-year veteran of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and was commissioned with the THP in 1980.
At the conclusion of the investigation, a report will be turned over to the District Attorney for review.
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.