An email communication received today from the Tennessee Department of Corrections denies allegations of a threat against Tennessee law-enforcement personnel by the Vice Lords or any other gang.

TDOC’s Neysa Taylor wrote, “TDOC is unaware of any specific and/or credible threats to law enforcement or corrections personnel. TDOC is networking with our law enforcement partners to ensure the timely dissemination of accurate information.”

Below is the full text of the message received from TDOC:

“Unfortunately an erroneous social media post that referenced TDOC is being widely shared and has even been the subject of news reports.

“At this time, the TDOC’s Office of Investigation & Compliance has not recovered or received any information that indicates a direct threat or “hit” to law enforcement or corrections personnel. Information on alleged calls that were intercepted at Morgan County Correction Complex and/or Northwest Correctional Complex that indicate the Vice Lords “put a hit on all Tennessee law enforcement and corrections” is incorrect. Additionally, no direct information has been received that officers will be “set up or ambushed.”

“TDOC is unaware of any specific and/or credible threats to law enforcement or corrections personnel.  TDOC is networking with our law enforcement partners to ensure the timely dissemination of accurate information.”

Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox told 1057 News this afternoon the social-media post, which has been shared thousands of times, garnered nationwide attention; he said he even got calls from NBC News in New York asking about the purported threat. He stated, “We’ve never had a Vice Lords problem in Cumberland County,” adding, “We may have certain things, but we don’t have a gang problem in Cumberland County.”

Cox also said his deputies realize there’s no such thing as a “routine” traffic stop or a “routine” call – and they know to exercise due care when responding.