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UPDATE: Mayor, police chief say Hall’s lack of certification isn’t a concern
by Danza Johnson/NEMS Daily Journal
24 months ago | 1141 views | 8 8 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Robert Hall
Robert Hall
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TUPELO – Deputy Police Chief Robert Hall has been back on the job for two months, but still hasn’t been recertified as an officer.

Without the certification, Hall doesn’t have arrest powers but still can work as an administrator.

Chief Tony Carleton had 30 days after Hall was hired to re-apply for his law enforcement certificate through the Board of Standards and Training.

Hall’s certificate was deactivated when he resigned from the department in 2006 after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to a hit-and-run accident.

He returned to the post on March 29 without the recertification. For the job he does, Carleton said, he doesn’t need it.

“He’s in an administrative position and his job is to focus on improving polices and procedures and to help the department to connect with the community so we all can have a good working relationship,” said Carleton. “He is not on the streets arresting people, we have other officers for that. Deputy Chief Hall is more important to the department working from an administrative standpoint than he would be on the streets.”

Mayor Jack Reed Jr. said Hall’s lack of certification is not a concern at this time.

“I think Robert is doing a great job,” said Reed. “He is doing exactly what I’d hoped. He has added a lot of leadership and energy to the department. I think he has already proven his value to the city and the department since he was brought on.”

Read more about this story in Saturday's NEMS Daily Journal.
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E=mc2
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June 04, 2010
it's a sad commentary for the city of Tupelo and the state of Mississippi to think the color of ones skin should be consider in such an important role.Obvious some people still live with guilt for their wrong doings.either that or the mayor is using this appointment as an olive branch pandering for votes.I personally believe Hall's criminal behavior and appointment is disgusting to people of all colors.I don't think our Chief had any say so to this appointment.He is obviously a puppet,lacking a pair.
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nutcase
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June 04, 2010
i dont know how the whole process works but seems to me that if there is a review board of some kind that has to approve Hall to be certified and they dont think he should be....who is Carlton and Reed to say he should lead those that are? you lead by example!!! Seems like these little "pro Hall" articles by Chief and Reed are not going to convince the law abiding, rational things citizens otherwise.
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Flemmings
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June 04, 2010
The Chief of Police is the Chief law enforcement officer in the city who empowers other officers and gives them the authority to act on his behalf similar to the Sheriff granting authority to his deputies. In the Chief's absence the deputy chief of police assumes the Chief’s role and has the authority and responsibility for all decisions made at the Police Department. I'm not saying anything negative against Hall, but it would seem prudent and reasonable to re evaluate Hall's role and responsibilities in the city if he cannot get his certification back.

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eightball
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June 04, 2010
In a city the size of Tupelo or a county with the population of Lee county, the chief law enforcement officers are primarily administrators. I'm sure there's a tremendous amount of paperwork that these officials have to deal with so the men and women in the "trenches" will have the time and equipment to do their jobs. A good supervisor/administrator is a valuable addition to any department.
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straightsense
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June 04, 2010
This has gotten back to what I mentioned in the beginning. In larger departments the Chief, Asst Chief rarely if ever perform police duties. When Ed Crider was Chief for many years, out of all the years I knew him, I cannot remember him to make an arrest. More administrative type duties.

I am still somewhat concerned over the hiring of Hall for these types duties with or without arrest powers considering his duty related incident. Time will tell....I guess.
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MtnWing
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June 04, 2010
Carleton says of Hall: "His job is to focus on improving polices and procedures and to help the department to connect with the community so we all can have a good working relationship,”

My question is, what makes Hall qualified to improve policies and procedures in the PD since he did not follow policies and procedures himself, not to mention the fact that he didn't abide by the law. And how does his lawbreaking help the PD connect with the community? This is just a terrible situation that the new Chief and the Mayor have caused for the city of Tupelo.

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WTFDude
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June 04, 2010
He'd better not be seen in a TPD uniform wearing a badge and/or gun then, huh?

Great example for the rest of the force. A deputy chief that has no more arrest powers that any normal citizen! Classic!!

Perhaps they should change his title to "Department Administrator" or something that most reasonable people would not interpret as having arrest powers.

The bright side of this is that hopefully since he can't arrest anyone, he can't release anyone either!!

Tupelo is a laughingstock!
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screamineagle
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June 04, 2010
Does he have a certificate to turn Criminals loose? Yes Two misdemeanors on his record!
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