5 Major Changes Inside The Cookeville TN Police Dept You Need To Know In 2025
The Cookeville Police Department (CPD) is undergoing a significant transformation in late 2024 and 2025, marked by a historic leadership change and crucial technological upgrades designed to enhance public safety and community relations. This period of transition reflects a commitment to modern policing standards in the heart of Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region. As of this current date, December 19, 2025, the department is actively rolling out several new programs and systems that directly impact how law enforcement operates and interacts with the citizens of Cookeville.
The recent updates—from a new Police Chief to key policy discussions—make this an essential time for residents and stakeholders to understand the department's direction. The CPD, located at 1019 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501, continues its mission to protect and serve, but with a renewed focus on transparency, technology, and community engagement initiatives that define its 2025 strategy.
The New Era of Leadership and Key Personnel
The most significant change at the Cookeville Police Department in 2025 is the transition in its top leadership role. This change marks the end of a long tenure and the beginning of a new chapter for Cookeville law enforcement.
- Former Chief Randy Evans: Chief Evans concluded a remarkable career with the City of Cookeville Police Department, retiring on January 31, 2025. His service spanned over 41 years, leaving a profound legacy on the department and the community.
- Current Chief Scott Winfree: Following Chief Evans' retirement, Scott Winfree was announced as the new Cookeville Police Chief. Chief Winfree now leads the department, bringing his vision for modern policing to the city. He is the primary point of contact for Administration.
- City Manager James Mills: City Manager James Mills was the official who announced the retirement and the subsequent replacement, highlighting the administrative oversight of the transition.
- Officer Owen Tolbert: Recent public records, such as the Putnam County Sheriff's Office inmate portal, show active duty officers like Officer Owen Tolbert making arrests, indicating the daily operations continue under the new command structure.
This leadership shift is a critical entity update, signaling a potential change in operational focus and policy implementation. The community is watching closely as Chief Winfree steers the department through its next phase of development.
Major Technological and Equipment Upgrades
To keep pace with the demands of modern law enforcement, the Cookeville Police Department has invested in substantial technological upgrades, which were officially rolled out in late 2025.
Advanced Radio System Implementation
In a joint effort with the Algood Police Department, the CPD has completed a major overhaul of its communication infrastructure. This essential upgrade was announced and implemented on December 1, 2025.
- New Portable Radios: The upgrade included issuing 108 new portable radios to officers. This ensures reliable, clear, and secure communication across all patrol and investigative units, a crucial factor in officer safety and rapid response.
- Enhanced Interoperability: The new system improves interoperability between the CPD and surrounding agencies in Putnam County, facilitating better coordination during large-scale incidents or multi-jurisdictional investigations.
Consideration of Auto-Tagging Technology
Under Chief Winfree's leadership, the department has been considering new contracts, including a potential auto-tagging system for vehicles. While details are still emerging, this suggests an interest in leveraging advanced technology to streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency in evidence collection and case management.
Community Initiatives and Policy Focus for 2025
The CPD is placing a strong emphasis on community connection and progressive policy adoption, with several initiatives designed to build trust and diversify the force.
The Revived "Adopt a Cop" Initiative
The "Adopt a Cop" program has been rekindled for the 2025 holiday season. This initiative is a core component of the department’s community relations strategy. It aims to:
- Foster Support: Encourage local businesses, organizations, and residents to show support for individual law enforcement officers.
- Humanize the Badge: Create a personal connection between officers and the community they serve, moving beyond purely enforcement interactions.
Commitment to the 30x30 Initiative
The Cookeville Police Department has officially joined the national "30x30 Initiative." This is a significant commitment to increasing the representation of women in policing. The goal of the 30x30 Initiative is to reach 30% female representation in police recruit classes by 2030. This focus on diversity is a key entity in the department's future recruitment and cultural development.
Ongoing Policy and Reform Discussions
Cookeville, like many cities, is part of a broader national conversation on police reform. Public groups have advocated for specific policy changes, such as forbidding police officers in the Cookeville Police Department from shooting at moving vehicles. While the 2024 Complaint Summary is available for public review, these ongoing discussions reflect a demand for increased transparency and accountability within local law enforcement.
Furthermore, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains data on officer-involved shootings in Cookeville, highlighting the gravity of use-of-force policies and the need for continuous training and review.
Cookeville’s Public Safety Landscape in 2025
Understanding the department’s structure requires a look at the public safety environment it operates within. The city’s crime statistics and trends are critical factors influencing CPD's resource allocation and patrol strategies.
Crime Statistics and Projections
While definitive year-end 2025 crime statistics are still pending, projections indicate the ongoing financial impact of crime on the city. The total projected cost of crime in Cookeville for 2025 is estimated to be over $8.8 million, translating to approximately $129 per resident.
Law enforcement efforts are consistently focused on reducing both violent crimes (such as assault, robbery, and murder) and property crimes (including theft, burglary, and vehicle theft). Older data from 2021 suggested a property crime victimization rate of 1 in 46, which the CPD continuously works to lower through targeted patrols and community watch programs.
Transparency and Accountability
The department maintains a strong commitment to transparency, evidenced by the release of documents like the 2024 Complaint Summary (PDF), which allows the public to review the nature and resolution of complaints against officers. This focus on accountability is a necessary component of modern policing and helps maintain public trust in the Cookeville Police Department and the broader Putnam County justice system.
The Cookeville Police Department is clearly navigating a period of significant change and modernization. The new leadership under Chief Scott Winfree, coupled with substantial investments in technology and a renewed focus on community-centric policing initiatives like the 30x30 and Adopt a Cop programs, positions the CPD to enhance public safety and build stronger ties with the citizens of Cookeville, TN, throughout 2025 and beyond.
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