NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Hundreds of Metro Nashville police officers will be on duty as the city hosts the largest sporting event in the state’s history.
Officials held a press conference Tuesday ahead of next week’s NFL Draft, which gets underway Thursday and lasts until Saturday. The St. Jude Nashville Rock‘n’Roll Marathon is also happening that weekend.
Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson said the department is doing everything in its power to make sure everyone is safe for Nashville’s “largest multi-day event ever.”
“We will take into account every contingency,” Anderson said. “We must do everything in our power to deter criminal activity and to ensure a safe environment for the thousands that will be here taking part in this event.”
Anderson said more than 400 officers will be in the footprint of the draft area on Thursday. SWAT officers and the bomb squad will also be nearby to respond if necessary.
More than 200 officers will be on duty Saturday. Anderson added that coverage of Nashville's neighborhoods will remain constant over the three-day period. Officers working the draft and marathon will be getting overtime pay.
“We will not tolerate any criminal activity or disruptive behavior that would attempt to disrupt the draft, marathon or create fear in fans,” Anderson said.
Everyone is asked to report anything suspicious. If you “see something, say something” by reporting it to the nearest police officer. You can also contact the draft/marathon law enforcement hotline at 615-880-1515.
