NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Several Metro Nashville Council members have created a resolution asking for the resignation of Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson.
More than a dozen council members are sponsoring the resolution, which has not yet been filed.
Last week, three Metro council members called for Chief Anderson's resignation after police rescinded warrants against two activists.
Councilman Freddie O'Connel, Councilman Dave Rosenberg and at-large council member Bob Mendes made the calls on social media following the arrest dispute.
You can read the resolution below:
WHEREAS, in recognition of Chief Steve Anderson’s 46 years of service to the Nashville community, we acknowledge the systemic reductions in violent crimes that have occurred during his tenure; and
WHEREAS, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, it has become clear that in order to save the lives of black men and women, police practices must change; and
WHEREAS, in order for police practices to change in Nashville and in order to build trust between the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and communities of color in Nashville, a change in leadership is essential; and
WHEREAS, Gideon’s Army’s “Driving While Black” Report, issued in 2017, concluded that there is evidence of racial bias in Nashville’s traffic stops and this conclusion was not meaningfully addressed by Chief Anderson; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, after Nashville voters approved the creation of a Community Oversight Board through a referendum, the Metro Nashville Police Department has never demonstrated a clear willingness to be a good faith participant in the oversight process; and
WHEREAS, on June 4, 2020, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department issued and quickly recalled warrants for the arrests of prominent Nashville activists Justin Jones and Jeneisha Harris; and
WHEREAS, these warrants were unjustly issued and this troubling event should cause Nashvillians to reflect on how our community is policed; and
WHEREAS, it is time for Mayor John Cooper to call for the resignation of Metropolitan Nashville Chief of Police Steve Anderson in order to create meaningful policy and behavioral change in the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Mayor John Cooper to call for the resignation of Metropolitan Nashville Chief of Police Steve Anderson.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
