Nashville review board returns multiple OPA findings, flags body‑camera, evidence and child‑safety concerns

The Nashville Community Review Board voted on multiple motions at its Oct. 1 meeting to send OPA investigations and related documents back for additional review, citing factual discrepancies and missing or non‑recorded evidence in several cases.

The board authorized the executive director to return two documents with errors to OPA, a motion introduced during discussion of case closures. "I move at this time that we authorize the executive director to return the 2 documents, wherein the mistakes are made with this," a board member said; the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Why it matters: board members said the errors could change investigative findings or discipline. Several reviewers flagged (1) body‑worn camera (BWC) footage that was not recorded or not included in OPA case files, (2) apparent inconsistencies between OPA narrative language and underlying evidence, and (3) missing evidence chain‑of‑custody steps.

Major case actions and concerns

- Evidence handling (CC2023‑026): The board reviewed a case in which a family member volunteered to retrieve a phone after a fatal crash. The compliance monitor told the board the phone was retained by a detective and then held for six to seven…