Community Review Board and MNPD Reach Agreement on Police Complaint Review Process

On Monday November 18, the Community Review Board (CRB) reached a significant milestone with the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines their collaborative efforts with the Metro Nashville Police Department to review citizen complaints of police misconduct.

The CRB has been working diligently to develop effective procedures for reviewing citizen complaints, a task made difficult without a working agreement between the two agencies. This MOU represents a crucial step in realizing that goal.

The MOU outlines specific procedures for:

• Receiving and processing complaints
• Reviewing investigations
• Sharing information
• Making recommendations

"I want to thank Mayor O'Connell and Chief John Drake for their support of this agreement. The Community Review Board has publicly acknowledged the importance of cooperation between the Board staff and the MNPD, emphasizing the duty we have as public servants to carry out the will of our community," says CRB Executive Director Jill Fitcheard. "The Board is committed to building better relationships with MNPD and this MOU agreement meets that challenge in both the practical day-to-day procedures and in the spirit of collaboration."

Mayor Freddie O'Connell voiced support for this MOU during an April CRB meeting, encouraging both parties to collaborate and develop procedures to ensure the CRB's success.

"The adoption of this MOU is a critical step forward in ensuring transparency, accountability, and collaboration between the CRB and the MNPD," says CRB Chairperson Alisha Haddock. "This agreement formalizes our shared commitment to building trust within our communities while upholding the principles of fairness and justice. It represents the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable system that prioritizes the voices and concerns of Nashville residents."

The CRB is optimistic about the future of its partnership with MNPD and looks forward to continuing to work together to enhance police accountability and community trust. The MOU agreement is now with Metro Legal, and once filed with the Metro Clerk, it will become a living document.