PRESS RELEASE: LaGrange Police Memo Raises Legal Concerns — Chief Issues Major Clarification
A November 6 memo issued by LaGrange Georgia Police Chief Garrett Fiveash has sparked significant legal and constitutional concerns after it appeared to restrict officers from speaking to elected officials, discussing departmental issues publicly, or reporting misconduct outside the chain of command.
Following these concerns, Chief Fiveash released a second statement acknowledging that multiple legal points raised by GT News Now were correct — including employee rights under the Georgia Whistleblower Act, POST/GBI reporting requirements, and First Amendment protections.
The Chief’s clarification confirmed:
Officers may report wrongdoing to anyone, including HR, City Manager, Mayor, Council, POST, and GBI
Employees retain full First Amendment rights to speak on matters of public concern
Department personnel cannot be disciplined for reporting misconduct or contacting oversight agencies
Discussion of general department issues with the public or media is constitutionally protected speech
https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxaxutzsOOgWONQkhWywdEs_19Qz5AQdU2