Internal Affairs Unit

Police Chief

Paul Noel
(865) 215-7000

Public Safety Complex
1650 Huron St.
Knoxville, TN 37917

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Captain Brian Evans
[email protected]
865-215-7237


Check our KPD Open Records Page for reports from Internal Affairs Investigations.

The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for the investigation of allegations of misconduct by members of the Department, and under certain circumstances, other employees of the City of Knoxville. The Internal Affairs Unit also tracks complaints made to the Department to allow for research on the various types of allegations that are made. The Unit is headed by a unit commander and is staffed by sworn supervisory personnel and one (1) civilian secretary. The sworn personnel are members of the National Internal Affairs Investigators Association.

The Internal Affairs Unit accepts and investigates all aspects of officer conduct and other selected aspects concerning the conduct of City employees working in other branches of the government. The Unit acts upon the same precepts and procedures as criminal investigative units of the department and is ethically bound to be thorough, fair, and impartial.

Any person may make a complaint regarding alleged misconduct by members of the Knoxville Police Department. Complaints can be submitted through numerous avenues, including by calling the Internal Affairs Unit directly at 865-215-7237. Citizens can also submit complaints in person or through direct mail to the Public Safety Building located at 800 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915.    

Any citizen may also submit a commendation for a member or members of the Knoxville Police Department deserving praise for their actions. Commendations may be submitted by phone at 865-215-7229, email at [email protected], or direct mail to the Knoxville Police Department, located at 800 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Additionally, citizens may message the Knoxville Police Department’s official Facebook page (@KnoxvillePD). 

All complaints received by the Internal Affairs Unit are thoroughly investigated and the findings are classified in one or more of the following areas:

FIRST DEGREE- SUSTAINED
The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to believe the incident complained of occurred. Recommendation for appropriate disciplinary action is made.

SECOND DEGREE - NOT SUSTAINED
Investigation discloses insufficient evidence either to prove or disprove the allegations.

THIRD DEGREE - EXONERATED

The incident complained of occurred; however, the actions of the employee were lawful and proper.

FOURTH DEGREE - UNFOUNDED
The investigation disclosed that the alleged act complained of never occurred and therefore is false. (This may apply to one or all accusations against the employee.)

FIFTH DEGREE - POLICY FAILURE
If the complaint investigation concludes that the allegation is true, but the employee's actions were consistent with department policy, the complaint will be classified as "exonerated-policy failure."

SIXTH DEGREE-PARTIALLY SUSTAINED
The incident has two (2) or more allegations and at least one (1) of the allegations is sustained.

SEVENTH DEGREE-INFRACTION NOT BASED UPON ORIGINAL COMPLAINT
A substantiated infraction not mentioned in the initial allegation was disclosed by the investigator.

PENDING - NO DISPOSITION
Complaint currently under investigation.

NO ACTION
Investigative File only