Tennessee House Bill HJR0475

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Enrolled: 4/10/23
• Passed: 4/12/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor THP Capitol Protection Unit officers Sgt. Denney Mitchell and Sgt. Adam Simpkins for their heroism.

Impact

The resolution serves to formally commend the officers for their dedicated service and the positive outcome achieved through their actions. It underscores the critical role that law enforcement plays in safeguarding the community, particularly in situations involving mental health crises. By acknowledging the officers' contributions, HJR0475 aims to cultivate public appreciation for the dynamics of community safety and the efforts of individuals working in law enforcement to protect and serve.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 475 (HJR0475) honors two officers of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Capitol Protection Unit, Sgt. Denney Mitchell and Sgt. Adam Simpkins, for their heroic actions during an emergency on February 28, 2023. The resolution recognizes their bravery in responding to a situation on the James Robertson Parkway Bridge in Nashville, where they helped to prevent a potential tragedy by providing comfort and support to a man in crisis. Their prompt and compassionate response not only showcased their training but also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness in law enforcement.

Contention

While the resolution itself is largely non-controversial as it seeks to honor exemplary service, it may ignite discussions around the broader issues of mental health response protocols and community policing. Recognizing the contributions of law enforcement in emergencies brings forward considerations of how such agencies handle crises, which can vary in effectiveness across different jurisdictions. Thus, HJR0475 opens avenues for conversations on enhancing mental health support training among officers to better equip them in future incidents.