RESOLUTION NO. RS2010-1316

A resolution endorsing the Police Officer Bill of Rights.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government is fortunate to have professional, dedicated police officers who put their lives at risk everyday protecting our citizens; and

WHEREAS, a recent survey completed by 348 Metropolitan Police Department officers evidenced serious morale problems within the department; and

WHEREAS, the survey results indicate that 97% of the responding officers attribute the pressures of their job to the department itself, as opposed to community pressures or job dangers; and

WHEREAS, the Fraternal Order of Police is requesting that a Police Officer Bill of Rights be adopted to protect officers from unfair investigatory practices into alleged misconduct and to ensure that the rights of all police officers are protected when their conduct is questioned; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council desires to show support for our police officers and to take the action necessary to provide them with the protections they need to do their job effectively; and

WHEREAS, Section 8.203 of the Metropolitan Charter provides that the Chief of Police has the responsibility for making regulations concerning the operation of the department and conduct of police officers, as well as for the efficiency, discipline, and good conduct of the department; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council endorse the Police Officer Bill of Rights, a copy of which is attached to this Resolution as “Exhibit A” and incorporated herein by reference, and request the Chief of Police to adopt this document as a departmental policy.

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 endorsing the Police Officer Bill of Rights.

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

Section 3. 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: Eric Crafton, Jamie Hollin, Michael Craddock, Robert Duvall, Bruce Stanley, Charlie Tygard, Darren Jernigan, Duane Dominy, Karen Bennett, Vivian Wilhoite, Sam Coleman

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LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Public Safety Committee
Introduced:	July 20, 2010
Adopted:	July 20, 2010
Approved:	July 23, 2010
By: