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Members of The Boy Scouts of America are now speaking out about Thursday's historic vote to end the ban on openly gay members.More >> Members of The Boy Scouts of America are now speaking out about Thursday's historic vote to end the ban on openly gay members.More >> The search for a violent sex offender with an outstanding warrant for his arrest is over.More >> The search for a violent sex offender with an outstanding warrant for his arrest is over.More >> Sevierville Police are partnering with retailers to crack down on shoplifters. In January, the Sevierville Police Department formed something called ALERT.More >> Sevierville Police are partnering with retailers to crack down on shoplifters. In January, the Sevierville Police Department formed something called ALERT.More >> Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.More >> Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.More >> A University of Tennessee administrator told her boss she was experiencing a hostile work environment in the days before she was fired.More >> A University of Tennessee administrator told her boss she was experiencing a hostile work environment in the days before she was fired.More >> Knoxville residents might have to change the dial if they want to hear their favorite stations.More >> Knoxville residents might have to change the dial if they want to hear their favorite stations.More >> The University of Tennessee was granted the right to purchase three homes in Fort Sanders to build a new academic building, but the move has preservationists concerned.More >> The University of Tennessee was granted the right to purchase three homes in Fort Sanders to build a new academic building, but the move has preservationists concerned.More >> An old pulp and paper mill site has been added to the EPA's National Priorities List.More >> An old pulp and paper mill site has been added to the EPA's National Priorities List.More >> Five area restaurants scored poor health inspections reports this week.More >> Five area restaurants scored poor health inspections reports this week.More >> Memorial Day weekends kicks off boating season here in East Tennessee. It is important to remember some safety tips before taking your boat out on the water.More >> Memorial Day weekends kicks off boating season here in East Tennessee. It is important to remember some safety tips before taking your boat out on the water.More >>
By ERIK SCHELZIG
Associated Press
NASHVILLE (AP) - Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons says he had to send strong signals early in his time in charge of the Tennessee Highway Patrol that the election of a new governor would not lead to favoritism for certain troopers.
Gibbons said in a speech Tuesday to a group of Southeastern law enforcement leaders meeting in Nashville that Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's insistence after his election in 2010 that only performance and merit would influence promotions and assignments.
Gibbons said after the initial surprise on behalf of some within the agency, the policy has contributed to improved morale.
Former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen had to overhaul the agency following a series of scandals that included troopers with criminal records, allegations of ticket-fixing and a culture of cronyism and political arm-twisting.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
