The Community Oversight Board and the Metro Human Relations Commission have partnered together to conduct several virtual community safety townhall meetings over the next few weeks. The purpose of these meetings is to hear from Nashville residents what they would like to see in a chief of police and public safety in their communities.
“At our first community townhall, we had several members of the community from across Nashville and Davidson County offer sincere thoughts and concerns,” shares Human Relations Commission Chair Dr. Marisa Richmond. “This feedback is quite useful, and we encourage more to take advantage of this unique opportunity to share about your desire for the future of public safety.”
The first townhall meeting was held on Monday, August 24, 2020, and included public comment from residents who live in Donelson, Sylvan Park, Goodlettsville, Old Hickory and the Bellevue area – to name a few. The Community Oversight Board and Metro Human Relations Commission are looking forward to hearing from more residents this upcoming Monday, August 31, with an interest in specifically hearing from Victim’s Rights Advocates, Survivors of Domestic Violence or Human Trafficking, and Mental Health Communities. It is our hope that all members of the community feel empowered to let their voices be heard.
"The intentional inclusion of voices from the marginalized communities of Nashville during this search process is the only way for the next leader of the Metro Nashville Police Department to be successful,” says Community Oversight Board Past Chairperson Ashlee Davis. “These forums exist so that the diverse perspectives of Nashville residents will be heard with no filter or script. People need to believe in their elected and appointed leaders and that doesn’t happen unless they feel valued and heard and that’s exactly why these forums are being held."
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2020, from 5:00-6:30 p.m.