Nashville, Tenn. — On Monday, a press conference held in front of the Historic Metro Courthouse shed light on accusations of a “dangerous culture” inside the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), with advocates demanding immediate action to address ongoing issues of sexual misconduct within the force.
The event was organized by Silent No Longer TN, an advocacy group dedicated to supporting victims of sexual violence. The press conference, led by the organization’s Executive Director Greta McClain, opened with a moment of reflection for the third MNPD victim who tragically took her own life due to struggles with feelings of hopelessness.
“We’re here today to advocate for a zero-tolerance policy within the Metro Police Department, one that truly supports women who are facing all forms of sexism,” Dr. Sekou Franklin, a speaker at the event, stated.
The zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy in question was initially approved by the Metro Council in August 2024 after being recommended by the Community Review Board (CRB). The policy was part of an effort to fulfill a promise made by former Nashville Mayor John Cooper. The CRB had emphasized that while the MNPD had taken steps toward addressing the issue, the department’s efforts were insufficient in fully tackling the complexities of sexual misconduct and harassment.
Despite the policy’s approval, Silent No Longer TN argues that the MNPD has failed to implement it, continuing to leave victims without the support and protection they need. McClain highlighted the ongoing issue, noting, “One thousand, seven hundred and fifty-five days have passed since the first MNPD victim came forward. Today, 98 victims are still waiting for justice.”
According to McClain, she was informed by a Metro Councilmember that the MNPD had until January 1, 2025, to implement the changes. However, when she followed up on January 17, the Councilmember told her that the deadline had been extended until March.
The issue of sexual misconduct within the MNPD has been a longstanding concern. In recent years, the department has faced multiple allegations, including a harassment lawsuit that resulted in a $300,000 settlement. The lawsuit, filed by a former MNPD officer, claimed she endured years of sexual harassment at the hands of her male colleagues. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Silent No Longer TN asserts that little has changed in terms of policy enforcement.
“If you have a policy written, but you’re not enforcing it, or you’re not updating it, or you’re not training people how to use it, it’s basically not there,” said Marlene Hall, Board Chair of Silent No Longer TN.
When News 2 reached out to the MNPD for comment following the approval of the policy, the department reiterated that it already had a zero-tolerance sexual harassment and discrimination policy in place. However, the department did not respond to recent inquiries regarding the policy’s implementation.
A spokesperson for the MNPD did provide an update on Monday, stating that the MNPD had sent the Community Review Board’s materials to the Metropolitan Government’s Department of Human Resources for review and analysis.
As pressure continues to mount on the department to take meaningful action, the future of the zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy remains uncertain. Advocates and victims alike are left waiting for tangible change to address the deep-rooted issues within Nashville’s police force.
