​Maryville, TN – On January 7, 2021, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office recognized city of Maryville Police Corporal Ben Belitz with the East Tennessee Traffic Safety Officer of the Year award. The city of Maryville Police Department also placed second overall in its size in the prestigious Law Enforcement Challenge competition. Two other awards were presented to Maryville personnel.
 
“Each year the Tennessee Highway Safety Office in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Administration recognizes law enforcement organizations in East Tennessee for achievements in traffic safety,” Traffic Lieutenant Michael Braden explained. “Our department participates in the challenge each year in order to measure our success against other agencies in the state. The goal remains to keep our roads safer throughout the year.”
 
Maryville Police Corporal Ben Belitz was awarded East Tennessee Officer of the Year. According to Braden, “Corporal Belitz is dedicated to our traffic safety program and his diligence in his field secured this win. He worked hard to help design and implement the traffic safety program.”
 
The department’s second place win overall reflects its excellence in several categories of traffic safety. The Georgia Highway Safety Office scores and judges the applicants by a combination of statistical performance as well as presentation of information.
 
In addition to these awards, Officer Travis Hill was recognized for Impaired Driving Enforcement and Officer Matthew Tipton was recognized for speed enforcement.
 
“These awards are a reflection of the hard work of our entire department,” said Chief Tony Crisp. “It is a rewarding experience for our staff to be recognized for the work they do every day and we appreciate the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for their support.”
 
For more information about the Maryville Police Department, please visit www.maryvillegov.com.

City of Maryville Police Officer Madison Wethington achieved a first for the city of Maryville on Friday, October 2, 2020. She became the first female officer to graduate from the City’s Motor Unit training program and is officially the newest of the eight-person traffic motor team.
 
The motorcycle training program is an intensive two-week program taught by instructors certified by the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM). Certification requires completion of a rigorous training course which tests the ability to properly and safely operate a police motorcycle and demonstrate a basic mastery of those applicable skills.
 
Officer Wethington explained, “Being on the motor team has been a goal of mine since day one of the Police Academy. I wanted to prove that I could do everything my motorcycle colleagues could do,” she said. “I wanted to be part of that team.”
 
According to Wethington, “The hardest part for me was mental. It was knowing the motorcycle will do what it is designed to do if you just trust your ability and have the confidence to do it.”
 
Police Chief Tony Crisp emphasized, “This is a very intense and difficult process and tests the ability to function in high stress situations. Very few are cut out to be certified as a motor officer.” Chief Crisp said, “With her level-headed demeanor, abilities, determination and work ethic, Officer Wethington happens to be the first female to do so in the history of our department.”
 
Crisp said, “Wethington showed us she had what it takes and that she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She had a goal and she worked very hard to achieve it. I’m extremely proud of her and know she will be an example to other young women who want to grow up and follow in her footsteps.”
 
Wethington said of the Chief’s comment, “That really makes me proud, to think I could inspire a little girl to believe she can do anything – to live her dreams.”
 
Officer Wethington has been with the department since January 22, 2019 as a reserve officer and was hired full time on June 23, 2019. 

​The City has received multiple calls about a planned protest at tonight’s Maryville football game. The circulating rumor is that people or groups from outside the area are being transported to Maryville to protest. The City, Maryville Police, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office have no credible evidence of this activity, and have not issued any permits for such a protest.
 
One local person has requested and has been granted a permit to assemble 25 people for one hour tonight. The individual wishes to have the Maryville Rebels name changed. This permit holder has assured the City that no more than 25 people will be attending this protest/assembly. The protest/assembly will take place from 6 – 7 p.m. at South Cedar and West Broadway.
 
Anyone who wishes to report information to the Maryville Police Department should call 865-983-3620 and as always, please call 911 for emergencies.



Additional Resources:
https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt1_4_1/
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/interpretation/amendment-i/interps/267

 City of Maryville Police is warning community members of a texting scam it has recently investigated. The received text claims to come from law enforcement personnel – in at least one instance, the Chief of Police. The text demands immediate payment or face jail time. The scammers may continue to harass the person if the text is ignored.
 
No law enforcement or other government official will contact a citizen in this manner or demand payment in a text message. If you have questions or want to report a call, use your keypad to dial directly to the agency number. Never click on a link or return a call that has come into your phone.
 
Maryville Police Phone Numbers             
Emergency  -    911                          
Office           -    865-273-3700
After Hours Non-Emergency    -  865-983-3620
 
 “Please share this information with family members, neighbors and friends, especially those who may not see this information online,” said Police Chief Tony J. Crisp. “With so many ways to target community members and their hard-earned money, it is important that you always remain on alert and never respond to potential scammers. Always call a trusted agency to help you.”
 
Additional scam information:
 
The impersonator will often refer to the person by name, tell the person the call is being recorded, tell the person they missed an important court date or jury duty or similar, and demand the person send money to avoid immediate arrest.
 
Technology makes it possible for these scammers to “spoof” a phone number to make it look like it is coming from a legitimate agency and may use the name of a real law enforcement officer to appear legitimate.
 
No government or utility will ever take a payment in the form of a gift card.
 
Scammers use fear tactics to persuade people to forward money urgently. Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
 
Never give personal or financial information to someone who calls, texts or emails you. Immediately report the activity to your local law enforcement agency.
 
Also, be mindful of what information you and your family put on social media. Update privacy settings on all accounts and keep your personal information and whereabouts off of social media as much as possible.
 
There will always be new ways for criminals to scam money from people. Be alert and suspicious and call if in doubt.