A resolution requesting Mayor Bill Purcell and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to create and implement an "easy to remember" telephone number for police assistance on less urgent matters to take the place of 862-8600.

WHEREAS, the 9-1-1 emergency telephone number within the area of the Metropolitan Government is designated only for police, fire and medical emergencies; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government has created and designated 862-8600 as the police telephone number to report non-life-threatening matters for which police assistance is required, such as property damage accidents, reports of various crimes where the perpetrator is gone, and incidents in progress which are of a less serious nature; and

WHEREAS, although the Police Department has undertaken an aggressive media campaign to inform citizens about 862-8600, the primary complaint received from citizens of Nashville and Davidson County is that the number is too difficult to remember; and

WHEREAS, since citizens are sometimes unable to recall the 862-8600 number, operators at the 9-1-1 call center often have to take non-emergency calls and refer the person to the appropriate number, which diverts 9-1-1 operators from taking other calls; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government take the action necessary to implement a new non-emergency telephone number for the police department, preferably a three digit number, that citizens can readily recall from memory.

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 Mayor Bill Purcell and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to create and implement an "easy to remember" telephone number for police assistance on less urgent matters to take the place of 862-8600.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell and to Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

Section 3. That 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

Amendment No. 1
To
Resolution No. RS2007-1788

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2007-1788 by deleting the phrase "to create and implement", wherein it appears in the caption and in Section 1, and substituting in lieu thereof the phrase "to consider the creation and implementation".

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore