Mayor Freddie O’Connell acknowledged efforts by Nashville departments to address sexual misconduct within the Metro Nashville Police Department. He noted the implementation of recommendations from a Nashville Community Review Board report on improving harassment procedures. According to the Office of the Mayor, O’Connell recognized the collaboration between Metro Nashville Police Department, Community Review Board, and the Metro Departments of Human Resources and Law.
Metro HR will implement aspects of the Community Review Board's recommendations into its policies. Mayor O’Connell stated, “I am grateful to the leadership at MNPD for the way they've received and implemented the recommendations from the Community Review Board's report and to our Departments of Law and Human Resources who reviewed the recommendations and are also strengthening broader Metro policies around harassment and discrimination.” A revised policy and training document, based on the Community Review Board’s recommendations and additional resources from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and End Violence Against Women International, was issued to all Metro Nashville Police Department employees on Tuesday. Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake stated, “Based upon the CRB report, the Metro HR review, and supporting documents from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and End Violence Against Women International, the MNPD issued a revised policy and a roll call training document to all employees on March 4,” as stated by the Office of the Mayor.
Community Review Board Executive Director Jill Fitcheard acknowledged Metro Nashville Police Department for implementing the recommended Zero Tolerance Sexual Misconduct Policy, stating, "On behalf of the Community Review Board, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for MNPD’s decisive action in adopting the Zero Tolerance Sexual Misconduct Policy we recommended." At Mayor O’Connell’s request, the Community Review Board report was reviewed alongside Metro’s Civil Service and employment provisions to address gaps. Metro HR is working to include Victim’s Rights, providing assistance and resources, and is incorporating "Early Warning Signs" into sexual harassment prevention training for all Metro departments, as reported by the Office of the Mayor.
