Remember when Bredesen promised to clean up the THP?

We reiterate that most employees of the Highway Patrol no doubt do their jobs with the highest level of honor and integrity. However, the bad seeds are allowed to bring shame on the organization. Despite the scandals plaguing the administration, Bredesen's repeated talk of addressing the problems have been little more than just talk. Now, several federal lawsuits facethe state because of employees mistreated. Yet, the Bredesen administration's lip service as yet to result in a change of the way business is done at the THP:

The Tennessean in 2005 investigated the patrol and found a connection between political contributions and officers who got ahead in the patrol. The investigation revealed that officers who gave money to Bredesen or had political patrons who did often received promotions over other officers who had higher scores on promotion tests.

Insiders said the political activity was a longstanding part of the patrol's culture. That culture included a history of ticket-fixing, cronyism and turning a blind eye when officers got in trouble or broke the law. Bredesen promised to clean up the agency.