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Executive Committee briefed on sheriff takeover of building security and new safety protocols
Summary
Staff told the Executive Committee the sheriff’s office will take over the building security contract and additional cameras and incident-action planning with MNPD are underway; members requested evacuation, first-aid and emergency training guidance.
The Executive Committee was briefed on Aug. 13 about changes to building security and member safety measures following recent incidents in chambers and the parking garage.
Staff said the sheriff’s office holds the contract that provides security for the building and that the sheriff’s office will assume more duties in the coming months; members should expect to see sheriff's deputies in uniform at meetings and enhanced camera coverage in elevators, stairwells and the garage. Staff said MNPD and the sheriff will develop an incident-action plan outlining roles and responses for meeting nights; that plan will be treated as a security document and not released publicly.
Members recounted prior elevator incidents and worries about lighting and pedestrian safety when leaving the building. Several members requested practical guidance — a short, plain-language evacuation/assembly map and active-shooter/first-aid training or access to community trainings (for example, “stop the bleed” and Red Cross courses). A member said a prior incident involving a sergeant-at-arms photographing activity in chambers had been addressed and officers were reminded their priority is safety.
Why it matters: Council members and staff said they want clear, practicable guidance for emergency scenarios and assurance that on-site security resources are coordinated. Staff presented immediate steps already taken (cameras, increased sheriff presence) and promised further coordination documents with MNPD.
What’s next: Staff will circulate a memo about handling threatening communications, work with MNPD and the sheriff on an incident-action plan and collect existing training options (HR, Red Cross, Hands On Nashville) and evacuation guidance for chambers and the Jury Assembly Room.
