Nashville’s Community Oversight Board announced its official approval of a working agreement between the Board and Metro Nashville Police Department that outlines specific guidelines on how the departments will work together moving forward.
At a meeting Monday night, the Board’s executive team reviewed the final draft of a Memorandum of Understanding and granted approval of the document, which clearly defines the authority and jurisdiction between the departments. Police Chief Steve Anderson approved the agreement in early January.
The board feels confident about their decision and is looking forward to the cooperative interaction and continued working relationship with MNPD
“This MOU embodies the very best of Nashville, and our community should be proud of what the MNPD and COB were able to accomplish together,” said COB Chair Ashlee Davis. “I am thankful for the leadership that brought and kept all parties at the table and look forward to the important work ahead of us all.”
The executive team’s decision to approve the MOU means that the vote does not have to go to the full Board for approval, as the team was previously given the authority to approve the document on its own. The entire Board and staff have been involved and hands-on with the process since the conception of the document and are in full support of moving forward to continue the work of the community.
“I appreciate the collaborative effort that went into the negotiation of the MOU,” said Executive Director Jill Fitcheard. “I am hopeful that this is a new beginning of building a relationship with the MNPD and Nashville community, one that improves trust, creates transparency, and fosters accountability from all involved. We are better together, and I am pleased with the outcome of this agreement.”
The next Community Oversight Board Meeting will be held on January 22, from 4–6 pm at the Howard Office Building, 700 2nd Ave. South. It is open to the public.
