RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-30

A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Police Department to consider designating a special police unit called “Safe Passage” to protect elementary and middle school children walking to school or to the bus stop to minimize the incidence of kidnapping and abduction, and to study the feasibility of using officers as they change shifts for this program to minimize costs.

WHEREAS, on the morning of April 29, 2003, 13-year-old Tabitha Tuders was last seen by her parents before walking to the school bus stop; and

WHEREAS, Tabitha Tuders has been classified by the Metropolitan Police Department as missing; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is charged with protecting the safety and welfare of the residents of Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the residents of Nashville and Davidson County that a special police unit called “Safe Passage” be created to protect school-aged children walking to school or to the bus stop to minimize the incidence of kidnapping and abduction; and

WHEREAS, it is suggested that the East Nashville area be used as the pilot area for the “Safe Passage” program.

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to consider designating a special police unit called “Safe Passage” to protect elementary and middle school children walking to school or to the bus stop to minimize the incidence of kidnapping and abduction.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is further requested to study the feasibility of using officers as they change shifts to staff the “Safe Passage” unit to minimize the costs associated with such a program.

Section 3. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to acting Chief of Police Deborah Faulkner.

Section 4. That Chief Faulkner is requested to inform the Metropolitan Council in writing of the actions taken in compliance with the request in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days after the adoption of this resolution.

Section 5. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore