Tennessee officer disciplined after daycare employees, children kicked out of movie theater
By: -----
Jackson, TN - A Tennessee police officer has been disciplined after a citizen’s complaint was filed regarding the officer’s response to an incident earlier this month, where daycare workers and children were kicked out of a movie theater.
On December 9, Officers with the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to Empire 8 Theater for reports of a large disturbance involving about 30 people, including the manager and teenage employees.
The theater’s manager had called police after daycare workers ordered snacks and popcorn for the group they had, which was made up of 22 children, ages 3 to 4, and about 10 adults.
In the call to 911, the caller said they had a “big disturbance” and that people were yelling at them. According to the Jackson Police Department, the adults in the group were reportedly the ones being disruptive, not the children.
When the three officers arrived at the theater, it was silent.
The manager told the officers she wanted the daycare workers and children to leave. The officers then entered the movie theater at the request of management while the movie was still in progress, and requested the group to exit the theater.
JPD said the adults identified as causing the disturbance were escorted off the property.
New body camera footage of the incident shows the moments when daycare employees and children were kicked out of the theater.
“Hey ma’am, ma’am — this whole group, everyone needs to leave. Everyone has to leave," an officer said in the video. “The business has asked you to leave. Yep, so go ahead and get up and leave. Get the kids, get up and go.”
The officer continues instructing the group to leave, and eventually is heard yelling at the group.
“Let’s start moving people. If you’re not supposed to be here, go!” the officer is heard yelling in the video. “This business does not want you here.”
In the video, you can hear some of the children crying, and at some points, the kids are heard crying for their parents.
The officer who was heard yelling at the group in the video was identified by the department as Officer Emily Knuckles.
According to the department, Knuckles violated the department’s policy related to personal conduct. She will also be receiving additional training.
“The Jackson Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and courtesy. When concerns are raised by our community, we have a responsibility to listen, investigate thoroughly, and take appropriate action. While we are proud of the dedicated service provided by our officers each day, we will not hesitate to address conduct that falls short of our values. Our commitment remains steadfast to serve the people of this community with integrity, fairness, and respect,” said Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley.
The department said they have met with the parties who filed the citizen’s complaint and explained the findings of the internal investigation.