In a Nashville courtroom, a judge deliberated over the case involving a former Midtown bar security guard facing aggravated assault charges stemming from an altercation that led to a patron’s death.

Dallas’ Law and Enhanced Training

One of the key discussions in the courtroom revolved around Dallas’ Law, which mandates additional training for licensed bouncers. Attorney Ben Powers, representing the security guard, Richard Cornelius, probed a former Tin Roof Bouncer about the specifics of Dallas training.

Former bouncer Bailey Silcox outlined the core elements of Dallas training, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment, de-escalating conflicts, and managing intoxicated individuals.

The Incident: Cornelius vs. Turner

The altercation in question occurred between Richard Cornelius, a 36-year-old former Tin Roof Bouncer, and Austin Turner, a 26-year-old patron, on Feb. 18. According to testimony, Turner was asked to leave the bar but re-entered later, leading to a confrontation with Cornelius.

Cornelius’s defense attorney argued that Turner initiated physical contact, prompting Cornelius’s response.

Compliance and Training Records

Investigation into Cornelius’s licensing records revealed his compliance with regulations, with an active license until it was suspended by the state post-incident. Furthermore, Cornelius had completed Dallas Law training in December 2022.

Challenges and Proposed Reforms

While Dallas’ Law mandates certain training, concerns arise regarding its effectiveness, particularly with online courses for unarmed officers. Turner’s family advocates for reforms, proposing changes under the banner of Austin’s reform, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive training beyond online modules.

Seeking Change: Austin’s Reform

The Turner family underscores the limitations of online training, especially in handling intoxicated and belligerent individuals. Their advocacy for Austin’s reform aims to address these shortcomings and advocate for more robust training protocols for security personnel.

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