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A resolution to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Nashville Fire Department (NFD) as it relates to the Metro Nashville Arson & Explosives Task Force (MNAETF), which is a collective coordination of resources and assets to investigate the criminal misuse of fire and explosives in Nashville and surrounding areas.
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the Nashville Fire Department (NFD), has entered into a MOU with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and,
WHEREAS, participation in MNAETF will enhance the investigation of criminal violations of law involving fire, arsons, and explosives within Metro Nashville and surrounding areas; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that this intergovernmental agreement be approved.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the intergovernmental agreement by and between the ATF and The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, acting by and through the MNPD, and NFD, regarding participation in MNAETF, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved, and the Metropolitan Mayor is authorized to execute the same.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution approves a memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) and Metropolitan Nashville Fire Department (“NFD”) to participate in in a Metro Nashville Arson & Explosives Task Force (“MNAETF”).
The MOU outlines the conditions for participation in the MNAETF, which is designed to reduce risks to public safety caused by the criminal use of fire, bombs, and explosives. Each agency would assign task force officers to work with MNAETF out of the ATF Nashville Division Field Office. ATF, MNPD, and NFD would mutually be responsible for the supervision of officers, with the ATF Special Agent in Charge or their designee having operational control over the MNAETF.
MNPD and NFD would each designate at least one employee to participate in the Task Force for a period of not less than two years. These officers would be deputized by the U.S. Marshal to execute federal search warrants. MNPD and NFD will continue to be responsible for the salary and equipment for officers designated to participate in the Task Force.
The task force will operate under ATF guidelines and policies for informants, investigative methods, use of force, body cameras, and electronic surveillance. However, when local consensual electronic monitoring laws are more restrictive than applicable federal laws the MNPD and NFD employees may conform to that local policy. During the MOU term, the participating agencies would collaborate on investigations with any report created to be shared freely among the officers participating in the MNAETF and ATF personnel and kept strictly confidential otherwise.
The MOU will become effective upon the signatures of all parties and is effective for five years.