Nashville CRB Refuses to Share New Complaint with MNPD’s Office of Professional Accountability
Conflicting Standpoints
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Community Review Board (CRB) of Nashville, Tennessee, is in disagreement with Metro Nashville Police Department’s (MNPD) Office of Professional Accountability (OPA). CRB refused to share new allegations against MNPD from an employee citing fear of retaliation. This refusal has sparked a legal debate regarding the board’s functioning.
Notwithstanding legal advice to share the complaint with OPA, CRB’s Executive Director Jill Fitcheard refused. She justified the refusal stating that the complainant feared the complaint would “disappear” if routed back to MNPD or OPA.
Legal Implications
Nicki Eke, an attorney from Metro’s legal department, stressed that by law, the CRB must not only investigate the complaint but also forward it to the OPA. According to Eke, withholding a complaint is not within the executive director’s jurisdiction.
The refusal and justifications by CRB members indicate a deeper set of issues. The mistrust and fear of retaliation voiced by MNPD employees can undermine the system’s accountability.
A Preventive Measure
Mayor Freddie O’Connell has appointed an independent investigator to look into MNPD. This came after a whistleblower complaint from a former Nashville lieutenant. The complaint pinpointed that the MNPD leadership were manipulating a law, thus nullifying the oversight board’s authority and providing undue leniency to senior officials in the event of a misconduct. The new allegations have not been revealed yet but they’re from an MNPD employee currently on board.
Fallout of Previous Complaints
There were accusations after the whistleblower complaint went public, suggesting the whistleblower leaked information about the Covenant School shooter’s writings. The nature of the new allegations has not been disclosed. However, sources confirmed a current MNPD employee brought them forward.
Fear of Retaliation
According to CRB Chair Alisha Haddock, the complainant feared harassment, intimidation, and retaliation. Subsequent to Alisha’s statement, some CRB members agreed not to send the complaint to the police. They decided it would only go to the newly appointed independent investigator.
The Independent Investigation
Former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton was appointed by the Mayor to lead the independent investigation into the new complaint against MNPD. The independent investigation is a credible response to the crisis of trust in the department; this will help ensure fairness and thoroughness in the process.
The tension between entities dealing with police oversight and holding law enforcement agencies accountable brings forth some systemic faults. Corrective measures and strengthened legislation may be needed for confidence to be restored.
The development of this case will be closely watched as it tests the integrity of oversight systems and boldly highlights the fear that exists within the ranks of the MNPD.
