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A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.
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WHEREAS, on August 26, 2024, the Nashville Community Review Board ("CRB") approved its final report regarding a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department ("MNPD"); and
WHEREAS, the CRB's recommendation for a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy for MNPD comes after actions to address sexual misconduct by both the Women's Caucus of the Metropolitan Council and former Mayor John Cooper; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, several allegations of sexual misconduct against MNPD were issued by Silent No Longer Tennessee on behalf of 19 women. In response, the Women's Caucus of the Metropolitan Council worked with the Metropolitan Human Resources Department and the Office of Family Safety to increase support for Metro employees who have suffered physical or sexual abuse at home or in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, in addition, former Mayor John Cooper's Policing Policy Commission's November 2020 report, which called for several action items for MNPD, including a recommendation that MNPD create a zero-tolerance policy around sexual assault and sexual harassment; and
WHEREAS, the Policing Policy Commission report recommended a timeline of 12 to 18 months to complete this action item. In response to the report, Chief John Drake stated that harassment and discrimination would not be tolerated and when reported would be investigated thoroughly. In addition, MNPD implemented the "Not on My Watch" initiative where MNPD employees can report misconduct via a phone line 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, while these actions are encouraging, a formal zero-tolerance policy should be established regarding sexual misconduct; and
WHEREAS, since the 2020 Silent No More Complaints, 50 more complaints have surfaced. Failure to implement a formal zero-tolerance policy as suggested by the CRB wil...
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