Former deputy accused of shooting dogs was part of JPD internal investigation
MCNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. — A former McNairy County Sheriff’s deputy had his first court date Thursday morning.
Connor Brackin is facing 15 felony charges for actions he allegedly committed while on duty.
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His arraignment was held Thursday morning. He did not appear — only his lawyer did.
Since our previous coverage of this story, we have confirmed more information regarding Brackin’s employment history. We learned that before joining the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office this year, Brackin worked as an officer for the Jackson Police Department. Upon this discovery, we obtained Brackin’s personnel files and here is what we found.
On March 12 of 2023, Officer Connor Brackin was informed by Jackson Police Captain Gary Benton that he was the principal subject of an internal investigation. This letter also stated that he was placed on administrative leave, with pay, while the investigation was underway.
On May 14 of 2024, Brackin had his administrative hearing to determine if he would be retained beyond his two-year probation with JPD. This hearing discussed two different shooting incidents, where Officer Brackin fired his service weapon while on duty. In the first incident, Officer Brackin did not shoot the subject and was merely returning fire to the area where he observed a muzzle flash and the sound of gunfire. That subject had actually taken his own life. Chief Thom Corley reviewed the shoot team response and cited that the team recommended remedial training concerning Brackin’s tactics.
The second incident involved Brackin firing his service weapon at a subject that resulted in loss of life. This was less than two months after the first incident. Chief Corley reviewed the shoot teams’ findings from the second incident. The shoot team found that Brackin’s tactics, judgment and decision making were a concern.
The hearing summary ended by saying that Chief Corley found it was in the best interest of the community, the City of Jackson, and the Jackson Police Department to not retain Officer Brackin as a police officer.
Another document stated that, “Officer Brackin has shown a pattern of failing to adhere to supervisors’ instructions and poor decision making.”
On June 19th, Brackin resigned from the Jackson Police Department. Five months later, he faces 15 felony charges after allegedly shooting and killing seven dogs while on duty with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office. According to records available online, Brackin bonded out of custody the same day of his arrest.
We will continue to update you as more information regarding Brackin and his future court appearances become available.
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