At a special called meeting on Friday, October 23, 2020, the Community Oversight Board (COB) unanimously voted to approve the Policy Advisory Report on Use of Force Consent Decrees. The report, created by Metro Nashville Community Oversight (MNCO), the support staff for the COB, includes seven recommendations for the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) regarding the use of force.
The policy advisory report was initiated by the COB following protests related to the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, as well as a request from Mayor Cooper to review MNPD’s use of force policies and procedures. MNCO’s policy advisory report examines use of force related consent decrees recommendations made by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division and compares MNPD polices to these recommendations.
“By adopting the policy recommendations contained in this report, MNPD will ensure Nashville remains in line with best practices in law enforcement on a national level,” says COB Chair Andrés Martínez.
As stated in its charter, the COB has the power to issue policy advisory reports and recommendations to agencies involved in public safety and the administration of justice in Nashville and Davidson County. The Board looks forward to collaborating with the MNPD on the implementation of its recommendations.
The approved version of the report, “Policy Advisory Report on Use of Force Consent Decrees” can be found on the Community Oversight website, and the dedicated board meeting can be viewed online via Metro Nashville Network.