NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A ruling by an administrative law judge has determined that a security company in Mt. Juliet, Solaren, improperly allowed employees to don police identification, leading to significant penalties. The decision, which spans 37 pages, was issued by Judge Claudia Padfield and revealed a $64,000 fine against the company.
The ruling follows a series of investigations that highlighted concerns about Solaren’s practices, suggesting that “imposter police officers” operated under its auspices throughout Nashville. The whistleblower reporting initiated by local media led to these scrutinies, necessitating judicial review of the company’s conduct.
Judge Padfield’s ruling emphasizes that Solaren committed numerous violations by dispatching employees in police-like uniforms over an extended period. “The evidence shows that Solaren’s conduct was intentional, and they benefited financially from using employees to fulfill client requests,” she stated, adding that this poses a tangible risk to public safety.
Despite the infractions, the judge opted against revoking or suspending Solaren’s license. In her ruling, she cited the company’s proactive steps in response to the investigations, including outreach to the POST Commission, redesigning uniforms to align with regulations, instituting guidelines for vehicle use, and implementing a bi-annual employee credential verification process. Additionally, Solaren has appointed a compliance officer to oversee these changes.
The judge mandated that Solaren must settle the penalties within 30 days. The case remains significant as it raises questions about security practices and public safety, illustrating the potential consequences of overlap between private security and law enforcement.
As developments unfold, further reactions to the ruling are anticipated from various stakeholders within the community.
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