A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to purchase and require all marked patrol cars to be equipped with emergency flares to be used on interstates and busy streets when necessary to protect the safety of emergency personnel and/or the public.

WHEREAS, on July 19, 2004, a Metro Nashville police officer was killed after being struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a motorist on I-40; and

WHEREAS, marked Metro police cars are currently not required to carry emergency flares to warn motorists of a traffic accident or disabled vehicle; and

WHEREAS, emergency flares are a reliable and economical tool to protect police officers, fire personnel, and the general public from dangerous conditions on busy interstates and roadways; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department purchase and require all marked police cars to be equipped with emergency flares.

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 purchase and require all marked patrol cars to be equipped with emergency flares to be used on interstates and busy streets when necessary to protect the safety of emergency personnel and/or the public.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Chief of Police Ronal Serpas.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or compliance with the request stated in Section 1 not later than sixty (60) days from the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after is adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Forkum, Michael Craddock, Rip Ryman

Amendment No. 1
To
Resolution No. RS2004-431

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2004-431 by deleting the phrase “purchase and require all marked patrol cars to be equipped”, wherein it appears in the caption and in Section 1, and substituting in lieu thereof the phrase “examine the feasibility of equipping all marked patrol cars”.

Sponsored by: Jim Forkum