Last Friday, Jocques Clemmons was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting at Cayce Homes. Earlier this week, Mayor Megan Barry met with friends and family of Mr. Clemmons to express her condolences for their loss. Mayor Barry extends those condolences to the entire community.
From the moment the shooting occurred, the Metro Nashville Police Department has been quickly releasing information. As with many cases, there can be conflicting information, which makes it difficult to draw immediate conclusions, which is why it is important to let all of the facts be gathered and analyzed before jumping to conclusions.
Statement from Mayor Barry: “The citizens of Nashville deserve an expedient, transparent and independent investigation into Mr. Clemmons’ death,” said Mayor Barry. “Today, District Attorney General Glenn Funk announced his decision to ask the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation in this case. While I have complete confidence in the Metro Nashville Police Department’s ability to fairly, thoroughly, and quickly investigate an officer-involved shooting, I welcome General Funk’s decision to seek a third-party investigation. I know that our Police Department will do everything in their power to assist the TBI going forward to ensure an expedient and thorough investigation.”
Body cameras
“I announced last year that we would seek funding for cameras in the upcoming FY17-18 budget, which will be released at the end of April, and I remain committed to doing just that. Later this month, we will convene a Community Advisory Group of criminal justice experts, community leaders and police to develop policy and procedure recommendations in relation to collecting and releasing body-camera video. Additionally, my office and the MNPD are looking at protocols being used by other major cities. We need sound policies in place addressing how video is used and released if a body-camera program is to succeed.
“We all want immediate actions and results. The reality is that investigations and policy implementation take time and we will continue to work closely to address issues and concerns openly, honestly, and as quickly as possible.”
