Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – On Tuesday, July 26, and continuing through Friday, July 29, 2022, a series of protests took place at 5002 Crossing Circle, Providence Pavilion. The Mt. Juliet Police Department maintained a presence throughout the protest activity, and the after-action report of the police response is contained in this release.

22027756 Incident After-Action Report

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – School zones will be firmly in focus by Mt. Juliet police officers as students in Wilson County head back to school on Monday, August 1st. Officers will have their focus on motorists who disregard laws designed to protect children in school zones and will provide extra attention at designated routes to and from schools during the first few weeks. In addition to the reduced speed limits in school zones, officers will be focusing on handheld cell phone use in school zones, school bus stop-arm, texting while driving, seat belt, and child passenger safety laws.

“We just want to encourage our community to be patient in their travels while around school zones across Mt. Juliet,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick. “With any new school year, we all need to adjust to the new traffic patterns, and it takes time to work itself out. Mt. Juliet’s officers will be on-hand to help out where we are needed.”

Throughout the school year, the department will keep an open line of communication with crossing guards so they can easily report unsafe drivers or any other safety issues within the city limits.

Digital radar speed signs have also been deployed to school zones to raise awareness. Mt. Juliet Police have three digital speed signs that display the speed of cars and visually warn drivers if they are driving above the speed limit.

Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s school website to become familiar with the traffic plans for drop-off and pick-up at each school. Wilson County School’s website is http://www.wcschools.com/.

To ensure our school zones are safe this school year, Mt. Juliet Police offer the following suggestions:

• Give yourself plenty of time in the morning! As traffic volumes and congestion on the roadways increase, so does the length of time it takes to travel to your destination. Giving yourself more time by leaving earlier reduces stress, increases your awareness, and improves your driving. Obey the posted speed limit signs and directional signs. This includes marked curbs. These signs and curb markings assist in the traffic flow into and out of the schools and assist in the safety of the students who walk and bike to school. One misplaced car can disrupt the traffic flow and the safety of our students.
• Be patient! Impatience leads to aggressive driving, rude or unwarranted behavior, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, and it creates traffic gridlock. Remember, everyone has the same goal: to get our children safely to and from school. Also, remember that the habits you exhibit in your driving and demeanor are typically passed on to your children when they start driving.
• If you are driving your children to school, have them ready to leave the car with all of their belongings, ready to go, when you come to a stop at the school. Backups and delays are caused when children have to get their backpacks and other items from a car’s trunk or back seat. Explore alternatives such as carpooling, ride-sharing, walking, or biking to school.
• Watch and obey the school crossing guards. Crossing guards are provided to assist with school traffic and the safe crossing of your students across the surrounding streets near each elementary school. Be on the lookout, be prepared to stop, and be ready to follow their directions so our children can get to and from school safely.

Stopping for a School Bus Law:

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is proud to welcome a new four-legged, specially trained member to the department. After many weeks of training, Citron, an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois, is now on patrol with Officer Jordan Brown. Last week, the two completed their training.

Citron is a “dual-purpose” dog capable of performing building searches, tracking missing persons/suspects, article searches, narcotics detection, and criminal apprehensions. Ofc. Brown and Citron will work a flexible shift designed to cover peak activity times within the City. They will patrol in a specially equipped SUV, outfitted with equipment to ensure Citron is comfortable during his work day.

“I’m beyond grateful for the continued support from our City’s elected leadership and administration, who continue to invest in our community’s safety and police department. As we have seen from Sgt. Barth & K9 Majlo, a K9 team, is very beneficial. They have tracked countless suspects and missing persons, and it would not have been possible without their capabilities,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick. “Ofc. Brown & K9 Citron will be the department’s second K9 team that will be on-duty when Sgt. Barth & K9 Majlo are off-duty. Ofc. Brown & K9 Citron are both very capable, and I have no doubts they will have the same successful, dedicated work as Sgt. Barth & K9 Majlo have proven to us.”

Active Life Chiropractic donated funding to purchase Citron’s bullet-resistant vest.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The department is restructuring patrol shift schedules from three 8-hour shifts to two 12-hour shifts, and the new plan will begin on Monday, July 4, 2022. Chief James Hambrick welcomes the change after polling all affected officers and studying other departments’ beneficial results.

“Many of our officers approached the command staff, asking that we look into the possibility of 12-hour shifts, which has been on our radar,” said Chief Hambrick. “All wanted a better quality of life, with weekends off and fewer work days, to spend more time with their family. 12-hour shifts allow for such, and after polling affected staff, over 70% favored the change.”

The new plan will take the department from three 8-hour shifts to two 12-hour shifts, and four details (groups of officers with supervision) will rotate off-days to cover the two 12-hour shifts. Dayside officers will be 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the nightside officers will be 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Officers will be off every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. All supervisors and officers on a detail will always work together and be off together.

“The 12-hour shift plan is trending across law enforcement nationwide, and it is obvious that much of our staff is excited and looking forward to the change,” Hambrick said. “Operationally, the new plan also provides a great benefit in our effort to protect and keep our community safe. More police officers will be on patrol and available for community members.”

With the addition of the new detail, a Sergeant and two Corporals were promoted for the detail’s supervision. Existing units in the Investigative and Support Services division will remain on 10-hour shifts.

The department will be hiring soon as additional police officer positions were approved in the upcoming fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1, 2022. Certified police officers with 3-years or more experience start at $55,452/annually and top out in 2 years at $66,175/annually  Interested applicants should check https://www.mtjuliet-tn.gov/1490/Join-Mt-Juliet-PD to register for future career opportunity notifications.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet’s Fourth of July Celebration will launch at 9:00 p.m. from the Mt. Juliet Little League Ball Fields on Lebanon Road. To ensure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone, Mt. Juliet Police and Fire will be on site. The firework presentation, presented by the City of Mt. Juliet and 94FM – The Fish, will begin around 9:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4th, 2022 and launch from the ball fields.

Premium, excellent viewing for the fireworks will be at the ball fields, where there is free parking. Good views also expand out to area parking lots near the Lebanon Road and N. Mt. Juliet Road intersection. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a good viewing location and tune their FM radios to 94.1 as the firework display will be to music.

Fire officials are monitoring the dry conditions and issued the following statement:

The rain that was forecasted for the area did not materialize inside the city limits of Mt. Juliet. With that, the extreme dry conditions continue to deteriorate and the ease and possibility of a field fire or structure fire has greatly increased. As many are aware, an open burn ban has been issued inside the city limits of Mt. Juliet. This burn ban does not presently include fireworks; however, if these conditions are not improved with some significant, measurable precipitation; City Officials will need to consider extending the ban to fireworks and firework shows. This is very much a last resort consideration, but in the interest of public safety and community greater good is part of the conversation. Fire officials will be monitoring the local weather and forecasts for direction in the coming days. The purpose of this contact is to keep all citizens of MJ informed and aware. In the interim, I would ask that you please keep your fireworks activities to a minimum and please stay with your display taking precaution of safe distances and dependable water supply nearby. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Stay safe. – Fire Chief Jamie Luffman

Interactive Viewing Area Map:

Mt. Juliet’s public safety teams are expecting large attendance and increased traffic. Safety is always a top priority, and many police officers will be present during the event for patrols and traffic control. With any significant event, attendees should always be vigilant for suspicious activity. If anything suspicious is spotted, attendees are encouraged to say something and call police. To contact the police department’s non-emergency line, attendees can dial 311. Also, the Fire Department of Mt. Juliet will have extra firefighters on hand near the firework launch site.

A traffic plan has been established, and advanced traffic signals will adapt to the increased traffic. In addition, officers will be directing traffic at some signals to prioritize motorists leaving the show.

A second fireworks show will also occur on July 4th at the Circle P Ranch on W. Division Street near E. Main Street and is presented by the Circle P Ranch and Needham’s Nursery. They have contracted with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department to provide traffic control at the event parking location. Mt. Juliet Police Officers will also be in the area to monitor traffic and assist if needed.

Please remember that our roadways will see an increase in traffic during the events, so minor delays should be expected. Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages, barbecue grills, and parking on roadway shoulders and medians are prohibited.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – With Independence Day festivities beginning to ramp up, the Mt. Juliet Police Department is reminding residents to be careful while discharging fireworks in order to avoid injuries and noise violations.

Fireworks are exciting, but they can be very dangerous if they are not used safely. Fireworks must be handled carefully to avoid serious burns, eye damage, and even life-threatening injuries. Premature denotation and misuse of fireworks are responsible for many burn injuries every year, which all could be avoided with proper and safe handling. Safety should be everyone’s priority, and parents should always supervise juveniles using fireworks. The Mt. Juliet Police Department urges residents to be careful, follow safety precautions, and abide by city ordinances during the holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common-sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries can be significantly reduced:

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise juveniles if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Instead, please wait 20 minutes and soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can be deadly
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And note these special safety tips if using sparklers:

• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.

Enjoy your time with your friends and loved ones. Everyone at the Mt. Juliet Police Department wishes you a happy and safe Independence Day.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – An adult male, reported missing last night by marina management and boat slip neighbors, was found deceased this afternoon below the water surface and under the marina dock near his boat slip. Around 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022, officers responded to the marina at 9120 Saundersville Road to speak with the boat neighbor, who last saw the missing individual on Tuesday night. The neighbor stated they last saw the individual while he was eating and drinking alcohol near the dock edge. The individual’s chair was found in the water, and personal items remained on a nearby table. Marina management and boat slip neighbors became concerned that the missing individual may have fallen into the water and drowned, so they notified the police department.

During the night, officers searched around the marina and boat slips, including contacting family and friends, in hopes of finding the missing individual. After Wilson County Emergency Management divers arrived this morning, they located the individual below the water surface and under the boat slip’s dock.

Preliminarily, detectives and the on-scene medical examiner do not suspect any criminal activity associated with the man’s death. Information on the individual’s identity is being withheld until proper family notifications are completed.

6/21/2022 Update: The deceased person was identified as Kent Troy O’Quinn, 50, of Madison (Davidson Co), Tennessee. 

The department’s prayers are with the individual’s family, friends, and loved ones.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Two Mt. Juliet police officers graduated from the Basic Police School at the East Tennessee Regional Law Enforcement Academy in Morristown, Tennessee this morning. Mt. Juliet’s newest police officers, Michael Long and Daniel Zimmer, along with 43 other law enforcement officers across Tennessee, took part in a graduation ceremony for Class 124 held at Walters State Community College.

Before becoming a police officer, Officer Long grew up in Mt. Juliet and attended Mt. Juliet High School, further graduating from Volunteer State Community College with an Associate’s Degree. He served as a dispatcher with the department before becoming a police officer.

Before becoming a police officer, Officer Zimmer spent most of his life in Nashville, serving in the Army National Guard for six years. He received the Athletic Award in the police academy.

“Both of them shined a light on our department and community while attending the academy, and I was grateful to hear that they stood out amongst their fellow classmates. We are proud of them,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick.

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The barricaded domestic violence suspect incident at a home on S. Sunset Drive ended peacefully. Around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, May 29, 2022, officers responded to Sunnymeade Drive and Belinda Parkway to speak with an adult female victim who had just left her home. She told officers that a man she knew forced his way into her home, assaulted her, and made violent threats.

The suspect was identified, and warrants were obtained for his arrest. However, early in the attempts, the suspect failed to exit the home after officers’ repeated requests from a loudspeaker system. Finally, after continued attempts over the loudspeaker, the suspect came out of the home. Special Response Team members contacted the suspect, and officers took a 55-year-old male into custody around 11:55 a.m. No serious injuries were reported.

At the time of this release, the suspect was being booked into the Wilson County Jail.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A Memorial Day fireworks show will occur on Monday, May 30th, 2022, at 9:00 p.m. The fireworks will launch at 9:00 p.m. from the Circle P Ranch on W. Division Street near E. Main Street and are presented by Needham’s Nursery and Circle P Ranch. They have contracted with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department to provide traffic control at the event parking location. Mt. Juliet Police Officers will also be in the area to monitor traffic and assist if needed.

Please remember that our roadways will see an increase in traffic during the event, so minor delays should be expected. Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages, barbecue grills, and parking on roadway shoulders and medians are prohibited.

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