Police chief says Mayor Megan Barry's affair with officer was 'improper' but not against rules

Metro Police Chief Steve Anderson said Mayor Megan Barry's affair with the officer who headed her security detail was "improper," but said it did not appear to violate any department rules.

“Any time you have a personal relationship with someone it could affect your thinking and your professional job," Anderson said during an interview with the USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee. “Your thinking might be clouded.”

Anderson's remarks came amid mounting fallout after Barry said she had an extramarital affair with Sgt. Rob Forrest that started in spring 2016. Despite describing Forrest's behavior as inappropriate, Anderson said the police department had not launched an investigation because he saw no evidence that rules had been broken.

“I know of no rules that have been violated by Sgt. Forrest who I have control over," Anderson said.

“We don’t try to regulate the private lives of individuals. It’s only when one of our specific rules, regulations, policies are violated that we step in.”

Police rules do not allow supervisors to be in a romantic relationship with a subordinate. This situation would not apply, Anderson said, because Forrest reported to the special investigation division, not to Barry.

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But Anderson did say the mayor's office dictated much of Forrest's work.

“He takes direction from the mayor or the mayor’s staff,” Anderson said. “The day-to-day activities are directed through that office.”

Forrest, a veteran police officer who spent 14 years heading security for the mayor's office, abruptly retired from his post this week.

At the request of Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation Thursday to determine if Barry and Forrest broke any laws.

Anderson said he had spoken to Funk on Thursday and welcomed the investigation.

The chair of the Metro budget and finance committee has called for an investigation into travel expenses and overtime incurred when Forrest accompanied Barry on out-of-town trips.

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In 2017, Forrest and Barry were alone on nine trips where he provided security, including a seven-day trip to Greece in September.

Anderson said he has recommended Barry have security with her at all times while she is doing city business.

"That's always been my recommendation," Anderson said. "I don't think I would draw the line at the county line or the state line or even the ocean."

Reach Adam Tamburin at 615-726-5986 and atamburin@tennessean.com. Follow him on Twitter @tamburintweets.