Clarksville mayor says racial problems must stop

“We need to clearly and seriously focus on the problem,” Trotter said Thursday. “We do not need these problems to continue. We will make the effort and use whatever resources necessary to correct the problem.”

On Wednesday, a federal jury awarded Detective Tony Blakely $325,000 in damages after Blakely said the department permitted a racially hostile work environment, improperly administered discipline and retaliated against him after he filed complaints.

In April, another federal jury awarded $300,000 to Detective Kenneth Austion for similiar claims.

On Friday morning the city council voted 2-1 to pay a $40,000 settlement to another former police officer who has sued the department. Former officer Keith Marzell had previously rejected a similar offer, and his case was scheduled for trial Tuesday in federal court in Nashville.

The settlement covers Marzell’s legal fees and does not admit the city’s liability in the case.

Other cases from current and former officers are pending. Trotter said that the Marzell settlement does not necessarily reflect a trend for the remaining cases, but the option of settling is always open.

Trotter said too many fingers have been pointed at the police department for too long. He planned to meet Friday with police Chief Mark Smith to “see what he’s thinking and where his heart is.”

Asked about leadership changes in the department, Trotter said he wouldn’t rule out anything.

“This is a serious problem, and it will be addressed accordingly,” he said.

Smith has been the city’s police chief since March 21, 2002.

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Information from: The Leaf-Chronicle, http://www.theleafchronicle.com