By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
An officer who worked for Crossville and Geraldine police departments is no longer associated with either after his conduct was called into question as the result of a video posted online of a traffic stop.
Trista Marie Chaviers posted video recorded after the traffic stop, apparently made Sunday, Oct. 25, along with complaints about the officer’s conduct – “being completely hateful, ugly, and aggressive for no reason at all,” she claimed An officer is shown telling one or both of the couple to shut up, and her husband is handcuffed, though he was not taken into custody.
In her posts, she said and her husband were told they were stopped because their tag was not completely visible. She questioned the legality of the traffic stop made in Crossville because the officer was working for Geraldine’s police department at the time.
Crossville Mayor Dino Richards made the following statement Oct. 26, indicating the officer was no longer employed in Crossville, and condemning his actions:
“In regards to the police video that was posted on Facebook, Officer Harrelson was a full time officer for Crossville Police Dept. He was also a part time officer for Geraldine Police Dept. At the time of this incident he was on official duty for Geraldine Police Dept. even though it happened in Crossville.
“The unprofessional and unacceptable behavior like this will not be tolerated in the Crossville Police Dept. So as of Oct 26, 2026, Mr. Harrelson is no longer an employee of Town of Crossville and as Mayor I apologize to all involved.”
Chaviers said in a Facebook post that the Town of Crossville told the couple all tickets would be dismissed.
The Town of Geraldine also addressed the video in a post Tuesday, Oct. 27, indicating the officer would no longer be working for their police department either.
“The Town of Geraldine is aware of a video circulating on social media involving a part-time officer with the Geraldine Police Department.
“We recognize the concerns this incident has raised within our community. The Town of Geraldine and the Geraldine Police Department hold our law enforcement personnel to high standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
“We want to make it clear that the conduct displayed in this incident does not reflect the standards or expectations of our department or the Town of Geraldine.
“The officer involved is no longer employed with the Geraldine Police Department.
“We remain committed to maintaining the trust of our citizens and ensuring that those who serve our community do so with professionalism, respect, and integrity.
“We appreciate the continued support of our community and remain dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Geraldine.”
Chaviers indicated she and her husband had filed complaints with both police departments, and were talking to “a civil rights attorney.”
