In a recent meeting, the Nashville Community Review Board (CRB) discussed the development of a proposed zero-tolerance sexual misconduct policy for the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). Policy analyst Dylan de Priest outlined the need for this initiative, citing alarming national and local trends in police sexual misconduct, including a significant underreporting of incidents among officers.

The proposed policy aims to address various forms of sexual misconduct, including harassment and assault, and is modeled after best practices from organizations such as End Violence Against Women International and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. De Priest highlighted that a staggering 94% of female police employees have experienced workplace sexual harassment, yet only 12% report such incidents due to fears of retaliation and career repercussions.

The meeting also referenced historical issues within Tennessee law enforcement, including a backlog of over 14,000 rape kits in Memphis and numerous complaints against MNPD officers. Despite recommendations from a 2020 Policing Policy Commission report for a zero-tolerance policy, no such policy has been implemented to date.

Key components of the proposed policy include establishing victims' rights, mandatory reporting, and comprehensive training for officers on recognizing and preventing sexual misconduct. The policy also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and protection against retaliation for those who report misconduct.

The CRB plans to gather feedback from board members and community stakeholders before finalizing the policy draft. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that the policy addresses the needs of all community members, including vulnerable populations and the LGBTQ community, reinforcing the importance of a proactive approach to preventing sexual misconduct within law enforcement.