A Millersville police officer has been dismissed following what has been described as "inappropriate sexual comments" directed at a female resident. WKRN reports that the incident occurred while the officer was on duty on Sunday, June 22nd.
The former officer, identified as Michael Singleton, 32, has been with the Millersville Police Department for approximately a year and a half. An immediate internal investigation was prompted to fully examine after a formal complaint was filed on the same day of the incident. Fox 17 notes that Singleton was interviewed on Monday and was terminated to follow.
Following the termination, the Sumner County District Attorney’s Office has asked for an independent investigation into the complaint by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). This step ensures an additional layer of scrutiny beyond the Police Department's internal process. The act of involving an external body, such as the TBI, is standard in incidents where an accusation against a law enforcement officer has been made, as highlighted by the Millersville Police Department's statement obtained by WKRN.
The process of decertification for Singleton has also been initiated, as relayed by WSMV. This effectively would prevent him from continuing to serve as a peace officer in Tennessee. "We have formally notified the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission regarding the incident and have begun the decertification process. As we continue to rebuild and strengthen the Millersville Police Department, we remain focused on creating a culture rooted in accountability, integrity, and community trust," the MPD stated, as per WSMV.
In the midst of this disciplinary action, Millersville Police Chief Stephen Hale was keen to emphasize that the actions of Singleton do not reflect the rest of the department. "The action of this one officer does not reflect the hard work and dedication of other employees of the Millersville Police Department," Hale told WKRN. "We are committed to integrity, service, commitment, quality, and respect of all residents of the City of Millersville."
