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Policing Education & Understanding
Policing Philosophy
MJPD officers are dedicated to proactive patrol, investigation of suspicious activity, and enforcement of traffic and criminal laws to protect our community. Officers are trained to identify suspicious circumstances based on conduct, not personal characteristics, and act with reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
The key difference: bias-based policing relies on assumptions without supporting facts or behavior. Legitimate police action is based on observed behavior, specific information, or credible intelligence.
Mt. Juliet’s low crime rate reflects the solid collaboration between our officers and the community members we proudly serve. Through the use of advanced technologies, such as license plate readers, and a steadfast dedication to proactive policing, we have achieved significant success in reducing criminal activity. Our deep connection with the community has built trust and created a resilient network of safety, where every resident plays a vital role in keeping Mt. Juliet safe.
Bias-Based Policing
At the Mt. Juliet Police Department, we are committed to ensuring every individual is treated fairly and respectfully. Bias-based policing—using a person’s race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, background, age, or culture as the sole reason for police action—is not only unacceptable, it is strictly prohibited by department policy. This practice, often referred to as racial profiling, undermines community trust and does not align with our professional standards or values.
Criminal Profiling vs. Bias-Based Policing
There is a critical distinction between bias-based policing and criminal profiling. Criminal profiling is a legitimate and necessary law enforcement technique that relies on training, experience, and factual information. Officers may use criminal profiling during investigations to narrow suspect lists by evaluating behavior patterns, motives, and specific characteristics related to a crime. This process can help bring quicker resolution to cases while remaining grounded in evidence—not bias.
What Can Officers Legally Do?
Officers are authorized to engage with members of the public when:
- There is reasonable suspicion or probable cause a person may be involved in a crime.
- Suspicious behavior or circumstances are observed.
- A description or information related to a suspect or vehicle is received.
Officers may also interact with the public to:
- Ask about potential criminal activity in the area.
- Speak with witnesses or individuals not suspected of a crime.
- Provide public safety education or assistance in non-criminal matters (e.g., medical emergencies).
We also value open dialogue with our community. Officers routinely engage with residents to build trust and foster relationships. If you're ever approached by an officer in a non-investigative interaction, you are always free to decline the conversation and walk away.
Reasonable suspicion means an officer has specific, factual reasons—based on observations, training, and experience—to believe that someone may be involved in criminal activity. It’s not a guess or a personal opinion. It must be supported by circumstances that can be clearly explained.
Examples of Reasonable Suspicion:
- A person is seen looking into car windows in a parking lot late at night.
- Someone matches the description of a suspect from a recent nearby theft.
- Someone matches the description of a known wanted person.
- An individual appears to be hiding from officers or acting nervously in an area with recent crime reports.
- A driver is weaving between lanes or making abrupt stops, suggesting possible impaired driving.
- A person walks repeatedly past a closed business late at night while glancing around as if checking for surveillance.
Reasonable suspicion allows officers to temporarily stop and question someone, and in some cases, conduct a limited search (like a pat-down for weapons).
Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion. It means the officer has enough factual evidence to reasonably believe that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed. Probable cause can justify arrests, searches, and warrant applications.
Examples of Probable Cause:
- An officer smells marijuana coming from a vehicle and sees drug paraphernalia in plain view.
- A witness identifies a person as the individual who committed a crime.
- An officer observes someone physically assaulting another person.
- Surveillance footage shows someone committing a theft, and that individual is located nearby, matching the description.
- A vehicle matching the description of one used in a robbery is found, and stolen items are seen inside.
Probable cause is required for making an arrest, conducting a search without a warrant, or obtaining a warrant from a judge.
Legal Standards That Guide Our Officers
At the Mt. Juliet Police Department, every officer’s actions are guided by the rule of law and grounded in respect for individual rights. We understand that trust in law enforcement is built on transparency, accountability, and consistent adherence to legal standards.
When officers make decisions in the field—whether it's stopping a vehicle, approaching someone on the street, or making an arrest—those decisions are based on well-established legal principles designed to protect both public safety and civil liberties.
Two of the most important standards are reasonable suspicion and probable cause:
Reasonable suspicion allows officers to temporarily detain someone when there are clear, factual reasons to believe they may be involved in criminal activity. This standard ensures officers act on observable behavior or credible information—not assumptions.
Probable cause requires a higher level of evidence and is necessary for making arrests, conducting searches, or obtaining warrants. This ensures that serious actions, like depriving someone of their freedom, are backed by strong, objective facts.
These legal standards are not just rules—they are essential safeguards. They reflect our commitment to fair policing and ensure that no one is targeted or treated unjustly based on personal characteristics or biases.
We take this responsibility seriously. That's why our officers receive continuous training on constitutional rights, legal procedures, and ethical decision-making. It's also why we use body-worn cameras to promote transparency and review every complaint thoroughly and objectively.
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. By upholding these legal standards, we serve our community with the integrity and professionalism you expect from your police department.
Concerned About an Interaction?
If you believe a police interaction was based on bias, we encourage you to remain calm and ask the officer to explain the reason for the contact. If you are not satisfied with the explanation, you may respectfully request the officer’s name and badge number, and ask to speak with a supervisor.
All Mt. Juliet Police Department officers are equipped with body-worn cameras, and interactions with the public are recorded. These recordings help ensure transparency and accountability. If a complaint is made, the department can quickly review the footage to verify that proper procedures were followed.
We are here to serve our community with honor and integrity. If you feel you have experienced bias-based policing, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Mt. Juliet Police Department Non-Emergency Number: (615) 754-2550
For Emergencies: Dial 911