In what marks a new chapter for police oversight in Nashville, the Metro Nashville Community Review Board (CRB) and the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) have mutually agreed upon a new Memorandum of Understanding. The document, which sets forth parameters for the civilian review of police activities, represents a significant collaborative effort between law enforcement and oversight entities. Following the approval by the CRB on November 18th, the MOU became official on November 20th as reported by the Mayor's office.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his confidence in the MOU, to mainly promote cooperation between the CRB and the MNPD. He appointed Jill Fitcheard as the director of the revised Civilian Review Board, which was reshaped to comply with new state legislation. "I maintained active dialogue with both our Community Review Board and the Metro Nashville Police Department, and I am pleased to see a Memorandum of Understanding come to fruition,” said Mayor O’Connell in a statement obtained by the Mayor's office.
This newly forged MOU includes several critical components aimed to increase transparency and communication. It mandates quarterly meetings between MNPD Chief Drake and CRB Director Fitcheard, stipulates an agreed-upon process for the CRB to access pertinent documents and video footage, and underscores the involvement of CRB members in MNPD's Citizen Police Academy. The document further allows for the CRB to be notified promptly of critical incidents via the Department of Emergency Communications.
Jill Fitcheard, Director of the CRB, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We worked diligently to negotiate an agreement that gives us the ability to work alongside the police department to meet the expectations that are set before us," Fitcheard told the Mayor's office. MNPD Chief John Drake also commented on the negotiations, assuring that Assistant Chief Dwayne Greene and Deputy Chief Tommy Widener represented the department well and that he will sign the final draft of the MOU.
The completion of this MOU is a milestone that follows the 2018 vote by Nashville residents to enact civilian oversight of their police force. This development stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to accountability and community trust in law enforcement. The MOU took effect immediately after the final signatures were rendered on November 20, solidifying a framework for cooperation that aims to bolster the community's confidence in public safety.
