The Metro Nashville Community Review Board and the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) have successfully completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing guidelines for their collaboration on civilian review of police activities. The Community Review Board approved the MOU during their meeting on November 18, and it was fully executed on November 20, marking the first agreement of its kind between the two entities.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed his approval of the agreement, which seeks to foster a cooperative relationship between the board and the police department. Upon assuming office, Mayor O’Connell restructured the voter-approved Community Oversight Board into a Civilian Review Board to comply with new state laws, appointing Jill Fitcheard as its director.
Latest TN News
“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,” stated Mayor O’Connell. “I am encouraged by the prospects of a cooperative framework between the CRB and MNPD.”
The MOU outlines several key components, including quarterly meetings between MNPD Chief John Drake and CRB Director Jill Fitcheard, a process for MNPD to provide the CRB with access to documents and videos, and the opportunity for CRB members to participate in the MNPD’s Citizen Police Academy. It also allows the CRB to request notifications of critical incidents from the Department of Emergency Communications.
CRB Director Jill Fitcheard expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, acknowledging the diligent work of Board members in negotiating the MOU. “I am thrilled about the outcome and the work that the Board members put in to get the MOU prepared for negotiation,” said Fitcheard. “I am looking to our pathway forward and it is my hope that we work together to improve and enhance the Community’s faith in public safety in our city.”
MNPD Chief John Drake confirmed his intention to sign the final draft of the MOU, following negotiations led by Assistant Chief Dwayne Greene and Deputy Chief Tommy Widener.
The MOU also establishes target deadlines for both parties to complete their responsibilities efficiently. Nashville voters approved civilian oversight of the police department in 2018, and the state legislature’s 2023 bill necessitated the reconfiguration of the oversight board to a civilian review board. The MOU took effect immediately upon its finalization on November 20.
For more information, you can view the MOU [here](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/MOU-between-Community-Review-Board-and-MNPD_0.jpg).
Source: Read Original Release