A Nashville faith leader is calling on people across the community to take steps to improve relations with the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Rev. Enoch Fuzz wants to start a new Citizens Oversight Commission after Jocques Clemmons was shot and killed by a Metro officer last Friday.
“This shooting was a setback for our whole community,” said Rev. Fuzz, the pastor at the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. “We need to engage proactively in turning that around.”
Rev. Fuzz said initially the commission will be made up of 12 pastors, attorneys and other community leaders of all races and backgrounds. He expects the group to grow due to support throughout the community.
“Some good needs to come out of this,” said Rev. Fuzz. “It will help the whole city.”
Rev. Fuzz said the goal of the commission is not to attack police, but to give people an outlet to voice their concerns.
“A lot of times people who have complaints about the police, all they need is a place to vent,” aid Rev. Fuzz.
A spokesperson for the MNPD said each of the eight precincts have community sergeants who work with the community and community groups.
“The outreach by this police department year after year is an emphasized priority,” said Don Aaron, Spokesperson for the Metro Police Department.
Aaron added in 2016, the department attended 2,265 neighborhood and community meetings, in an effort to work with 648 neighborhood groups across the city.
There will be a meeting Mar.4 at 8:30 a.m. at the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church for anyone who wants more information.
The shooting remains under investigation. The TBI announced it will head up an independent investigation.
