THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY
PHIL BREDESEN, MAYOR
Subject: Establishment of an Arson Task Force
WHEREAS, the crime of arson is a growing problem which represents a serious threat to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, there have occurred in the area of East Nashville in recent months a series of suspected arsons which remain unsolved; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to coordinate the arson investigation activities and resources of the various departments of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County in order to maximize the effectiveness of those activities;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Philip Bredesen, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby direct and order the following:
There is hereby established an Arson Task Force to coordinate investigative activities, make recommendations on needed changes or procedures, and otherwise enhance the efforts of the Metropolitan Government regarding arson prevention, investigation, and prosecution.
The Arson Task Force shall be comprised of:
(i) The Metropolitan Fire Chief or his designee,
(ii) The Metropolitan Police Chief or his designee,
(iii) The Member of the Metropolitan Council who represents the 6th District,
(iv) The Mayor or his designee.
The Arson Task Force shall request the State Fire Marshall and the head of the local office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to designate a person from their offices to work with the Arson Task Force and attend its meetings.
The District Attorney General is requested to appoint an Assistant Attorney General to work with the Task Force.
The Metropolitan Fire Chief, or his designee, shall serve as Chair of the Task Force and shall set the first meeting of the Task Force. A schedule for regular meetings and a procedure for setting special meetings will be adopted by the Task Force at its first meeting.
The Arson Task Force will coordinate and/or establish procedures for the coordination of investigation activities relating to arson in Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County.
The Arson Task Force is directed to develop and recommend to the Mayor standard operating procedures for arson investigation. Those procedures should be designed to ensure coordination and cooperation among the responsible agencies. The Arson Task Force is also directed to make recommendations regarding staffing, resource allocation, use of equipment and any other areas it deems appropriate. The Task Force is encouraged to examine procedures used by and resources available from the State of Tennessee, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and other governmental organizations with expertise in the area of arson investigation.
This order shall become effective 4 November 1991.
Ordered this 5th day of November 1991
Philip Bredesen
Mayor