An administrative law judge in Tennessee has issued a $64,000 fine against Solaren Risk Management, a security company based in Mt. Juliet, for allowing civilians to dress in police attire despite lacking proper certification. The fine stems from a WSMV4 Investigates report titled “Thin Blurred Line” that first exposed the company’s controversial practices. The judge emphasized that presenting employees in law enforcement gear poses a risk to public safety.
Although state regulators had sought to revoke Solaren’s operating license, Judge Claudia Padfield ruled that the penalties, along with the company’s measures to correct its conduct, were sufficient. Padfield noted Solaren had taken steps to address the violations by revising patch designs to clarify they were not police, establishing formal vehicle usage protocols, instituting bi-annual credential checks, and hiring a compliance officer.
Padfield acknowledged that Solaren originally faced 62 violations from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. However, she dismissed 30 of the charges, recognizing that many employees were retired or off-duty law enforcement who are exempt from policy restrictions. The judge also found insufficient evidence to support allegations involving the use of red or blue lights on company vehicles.
In defense, Solaren CEO Jack Byrd described the ruling as a partial victory, stating his intention to appeal the decision. He asserted that some of the evidence against the company was flawed or misinterpreted. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the state’s regulatory agency confirmed the department is reviewing the judge’s ruling closely.
