NCRB closes multiple complaints administratively; director reports investigator delays and one family referral to OPA

The Nashville-Davidson County Community Review Board approved administrative closures for a series of complaint files and heard an update from the executive director’s office about case processing, record delays and community outreach.

Assistant Director Dr. Kim delivered the director’s report on behalf of Executive Director Fitchard. She said the board had received four new complaints and one commendation since March, and 65 complaint-contact calls for service, including social-worker contacts. She told the board that investigators continued to experience delays receiving body-worn camera footage from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and that all cases presented to the board were sent to Chief Drake for review.

Assistant Director Kim reported that a Drug Enforcement agent shot and killed a 36-year-old man on April 16 during a Midtown Nashville investigation in coordination with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; MNPD cold-case investigators will handle the probe and the deceased man’s family filed a formal complaint that NCRB referred to the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA). The board recorded the referral and closed related administrative files after reviewing investigatory notes.

Board reviewers presented and closed the following case files by board action during the meeting (as listed in board materials and summarized to the board): CC2023-025 (Kenneth Stevens); CC2023-032 (Erica White); CC2024-007 (Gilbert Smith); CC2024-044 (Larry Kuchenmeister); CC2024-047 (Jeff Riley); CC2024-059 (anonymous/mobile crisis report; corrected case number from 050); CC2024-052 (Daryl Aldridge); and CC2024-060 (Anna [surname pronounced approximately "Denistren"]; spelling in file not confirmed). Each case summary, as presented, concluded that no MNPD officer misconduct within the board’s jurisdiction was demonstrated and each was administratively closed for the reasons given in the staff reports (lack of identified officer misconduct, complainant withdrawal, pending court matters, or referral elsewhere).

Board members raised concerns about processing time. One member noted several case files had been listed as ready to close for periods ranging from eight to twelve months before formal board action, and urged tracking of any case pending more than six months. Another member said the board’s limited investigative staff contributed to the lag and reiterated prior requests for additional compliance monitors.

Assistant Director Kim and administrative-services manager Katora Barnett also reported community outreach items: an NCRB Community Unifestival scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Coleman Park Community Center (384 Thompson Lane) with 13 community groups confirmed; and a planned NCRB town hall in July at the Nashville Downtown Library with date details to be announced.

The board approved the case closures by voice vote when each item was called for a roll; the transcript records aye votes and routine approvals but does not list recorded vote tallies by name.