21CP Solutions has started its wide-ranging departmental assessment of the Knoxville Police Department, which began in earnest this week with a three-day site visit.
The full departmental assessment will build upon the 21CP climate assessment that was conducted in late 2022. City Council approved the contract for the 21CP Solutions department assessment at the March 21st council meeting.
The site visit was conducted by five 21CP Solutions consultants, a group that consisted of former law enforcement executives and subject-matter experts. Over the three-day visit, the consultants facilitated numerous focus groups of sworn and non-sworn employees, observed training and took part in several ride alongs.
At the conclusion of the assessment, 21CP Solutions will provide recommendations pertaining to departmental policies, procedures and practices. The primary focus of the assessment includes use of force, vehicle pursuits, searches and arrests, impartial policing, response to vulnerable individuals, staffing and deployment, and training.
“This departmental assessment will be critical to our ongoing work to improve as an agency,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “By bringing in subject-matter experts to take an in-depth, outside look at how we operate, we will be well-positioned to implement current nationwide best practices, better serve the community and improve employee wellbeing.
“The assessment will also significantly expedite the mission of the Office of Professional Standards, which among other things is to develop reliable organizational systems and processes,” Chief Noel added. “I am grateful to 21CP Solutions and to the numerous KPD employees who were involved in this week’s site visit.”
The KPD anticipates receiving the final report from the departmental assessment in late 2023.