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Committee approves MOU to create dedicated transit policing unit for Nashville
Summary
The Structure Committee voted to approve an MOU formalizing a transit policing unit operated by MNPD, the Metro Transit Authority and the Regional Transit Authority; council members and police described a phased staffing plan and regular reporting to increase transit safety.
The Structure Committee approved an interagency memorandum of understanding to formalize operations of a dedicated transit policing unit within Nashville’s public-transit system.
The measure, RS2026-2097, passed by voice vote after sponsors and administration staff described the agreement as a way to set roles, reporting and metrics for a transit division. Kendra Abkowitz, who introduced the administration’s presentation, said the MOU “really formalizes activities, operations, roles, and responsibilities” and described the unit as part of the Choose How You Move program and a “layered approach” to safety.
The transit unit will be staffed over time rather than immediately, Deputy Chief Gilder said, adding that the department expects to phase hires and training and to reach full staffing “by the end of fiscal year ’28.” Captain Williams, named as the transit-division captain, said a typical footprint at WeGo Central now shows three to six officers depending on time; he said, once staffed, the division would cover all WeGo public-transit assets rather than only single locations.
Council members sought details about whether the MOU creates new positions and how it interacts with current off-duty (SCU) coverage. Abkowitz said the positions were funded in prior operating budgets and that the MOU formalizes responsibilities and reporting; Deputy Chief Gilder confirmed the MOU allows the department to phase permanent on-duty officers into the transit footprint and phase out reliance on secondary employment officers.
The committee recorded the vote in favor (8-0). The approval establishes the framework for monthly reporting on patrol hours, staffing, response times and community engagement; council members asked staff to provide additional data if they wanted metrics beyond those enumerated in the MOU.
The committee took public comment before the item. John Bull, introduced by the chair as a resident, told the committee he rides WeGo frequently and argued funds should support 24/7 service on frequent routes; Abkowitz responded during the discussion that the transit unit is an "and" to existing investments and that the Choose How You Move program can support expanded operations.
The committee moved the item forward; the measure will return for any required final enactment steps per council rules.
