ORDINANCE NO. BL2016-525

An ordinance amending chapter 2.44 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to require the Metropolitan Police Department to provide reports of positive engagements with the community to the Metropolitan Council.

WHEREAS, with so many stories arising from around the country showing tensions about relationships between police departments and the citizens that it has become one of the key areas of focus of the National League of Cities with experts and city officials from around the country searching for ways to turn those concerns around; and

WHEREAS, while no one person has all the answers, there seems to be a focus that better overall communications and better understanding between people would be helpful; and

WHEREAS, ideas that have been suggested for better community relations include police attending neighborhood meetings, showing up at community events, and participating in pop-up activities that allow people to get to know and understand each other better; and

WHEREAS, many of those things are already done by our Metropolitan Police Department but often go unnoticed or unrecognized; and

WHEREAS, while we still need to review reports and understand crime statistics in order to improve, it also seems like we should be recognizing and receiving reports on the many positive things that our police are doing in Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, such reports would also encourage neighborhoods and community groups to remember to include and invite our police department to their activities and events, further improving relationships and opening further lines of communication;

THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That chapter 2.44 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by adding a new section 2.44.116 as follows:

2.44.116 Community engagement reports to be submitted to the metropolitan council

The police department shall submit a quarterly report to the public safety committee of the metropolitan council within thirty days of the end of the months of March, June, September and December, which report shall include, but not be limited to, a listing of those community events and activities that the police are involved in or participate in during the previous quarter within the area of the metropolitan government broken down by police sector. Such events or activities include, but are not limited to, neighborhood meetings, charitable activities, and school programs.

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Shulman

Requests for ADA accommodation should be directed to the Metropolitan Clerk at 615/862-6770.