District Attorney Glenn Funk announced the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting of Jocques Clemmons.
He also announced a new policy which would force the TBI to investigate any officer-involved fatal shooting in the Metro-Nashville, Davidson County area.
Funk made the announcements Thursday during a press conference at the TBI headquarters.
He was joined by TBI officials and local African American pastors.
There was currently no state law that would force the TBI to take part in a fatal officer-involved shooting. Yet, the new policy would force the TBI to immediately respond.
TBI Director Mark Gwyn said a team had been assembled and would begin their investigation Thursday.
Mayor Megan Barry released the following statement, welcoming the TBI's investigation.
“The citizens of Nashville deserve an expedient, transparent and independent investigation into the shooting of Jocques Clemmons by Officer Joshua Lippert. Today, District Attorney General Glenn Funk announced his decision to ask the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation into that shooting. While I have complete confidence in the MNPD’s ability to fairly, thoroughly, and quickly investigate an officer-involved shooting, I welcome General Funk’s decision to seek an independent investigation. I know that our Police Department will do everything in their power to assist the TBI going forward to ensure an expedient and thorough investigation.”
Police Chief Steve Anderson also released a statement welcoming the agency.
“The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department welcomes involvement by our partners at the state and federal level. There is agreement across the board that a fair, timely and accountable investigation must take place. The TBI is welcome to any information gathered, as is the FBI and the United States Attorney, entities with which we have been engaging since Monday. I have full confidence in this department’s team of investigators who have expertise in matters such as this.
I believe it important that Nashville’s citizens have a full understanding of the circumstances involved in police-involved shooting incidents. We will work to ensure that the public is kept informed of relevant detail as we work with the TBI moving forward.”
