The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:04 PM
Oak Ridge Police Chief James T. Akagi Placed On Administrative Leave
"Recent letters to the media and others were reviewed and have been a catalyst for concern," Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said. "Many of the statements in those letters were found to be false while others are being looked into."
Deputy Chief Robin Smith has been named acting chief of police at this time. More information is expected in August as the investigation continues.
Akagi was named police chief in 2011 and began that year in July. He was selected following a nationwide search that included over 100 applicants. He came to Oak Ridge with 28 years of law enforcement experience, according to a statement from the city.
"Mr. Akagi brings a wealth of experience and knowledge within the federal and regional law enforcement agencies, and will make a long range impact on public safety in Oak Ridge,” Watson said at the time of Akagi's hire.
Akagi joined the Lawrence, Kansas police force after graduating from Wichita State University. He graduated from DEA basic training in 1986 and has served in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Santo Domingo.
The police chief has been the subject of an investigation previously. In 2015, the Oak Ridge City Council voted unanimously to investigate Akagi.
Calls for an investigation started after several former officers, including a former Oak Ridge police chief, wrote letters to council members and the media, accusing Akagi of violating policy and creating a hostile environment.
Former Councilwoman Trina Baugh spearheaded the investigation push pointing to a large turnover rate among officers since Akagi became the chief in 2011.
