NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On Monday, accusations of a “dangerous culture” inside the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) were met with demands for action.
“I want to start with a moment of reflection or prayer in memory of the third MNPD victim who took her own life due to continuing struggles and feelings of hopelessness.” said Greta McClain, the Executive Director of Silent No Longer TN, to open up a press conference.
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The organization decided to gather in front of the Historic Metro Courthouse. The press conference came months after Metro Council approved a resolution asking the MNPD to implement a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy.
“We’re here to advocate for a zero tolerance in the Metro Police Department,” press conference speaker Dr. Sekou Franklin said. “One that supports women who are experiencing all forms of sexism.”
In August 2024, the Community Review Board (CRB) unanimously approved a zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy. In the original press release from the CRB, the organization said the policy fulfills a promise from Nashville’s previous mayor John Cooper. Within the first four pages, the policy proposal noted the police department has taken steps in the right direction, but “they do not meet the full complexity of the issue.”
The MNPD has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct within the past few years, including a harassment suit that resulted in a $300,000 settlement. In the suit, a former MNPD officer alleged she experienced years of sexual harassment at the hands of her male colleagues.
However, despite Metro Council approving the policy change, Silent No Longer TN claims the policy was never implemented by the MNPD.
“One thousand, seven hundred and fifty-five days have passed since the first MNPD victim came forward,” McClain added. “Today, 98 victims are still waiting for justice.”
McClain said she was told by a Metro Councilmember that January 1, 2025 would be a “hard deadline” for the MNPD to implement the policy changes recommended by the Community Review Board. On Jan. 17, McClain said she spoke with the same Metro Councilmember who informed her “victims would have to wait until March.”
“If you have a policy written, but you’re not enforcing it. or you’re not updating it, or you’re not training people how to use it, it’s basically not there,” Marlene Hall, Board Chair with Silent No Longer TN, said.
Months ago, when Metro Council approved the policy change, News 2 reached out to MNPD for comment. At the time, we were told, “as you are likely aware, the MNPD does have a zero-tolerance sexual harassment and discrimination policy. Such conduct is absolutely prohibited.”
News 2 reached out again on Monday for an update on the policy.
“The MNPD sent the CRB material to the Metropolitan Government’s Department of Human Resources for review/analysis,” a spokesperson for the MNPD said.
