Tennessee law regarding the taping of phone calls and conversations is to your benefit - TN is a "single party" state, which means as long as one party is aware the conversation is being recorded, it is legal and admissible as evidence in court. This law has allowed victims of spousal abuse to record threats made against them by their partners and obtain relief through orders of protection from the court.
Remember, Pegler has a family, and they have a right to privacy. Be polite and only ask to speak to Pegler. Should Pegler answer, maintain an even and measured tone and ask questions with a journalistic professionalism.
In my professional opinion, calling Pegler at home isn't advisable, not because of the risk of legal action, but because he is still employed by Peninsula Village. It appears the program is short-staffed, and as Pegler's duties and stress increase, the potential for channeling frustration onto the kids in the program increases. Even without knowing the nature of the recent departures, it's still likely Peninsula Village is in a "state of siege" mentality. Fear and uncertainty concerning the program, as well as job security, could cause the staff to become volatile and unstable. The patients are at greater risk now than before.
