How to Request a School Crossing Guard in Nashville
In Nashville, Tennessee, parents, school staff, and local residents can request a school crossing guard where children cross on the way to school. The city maintains a School Crossing Guard program that evaluates requests based on safety, traffic patterns, and school schedules; you can start a request via the municipal program page School Crossing Guard Program[1].
Scope and Who Can Request
Requests may be made by parents, school administrators, neighborhood associations, or council members. The city will typically review traffic counts, sight lines, and the presence of existing traffic control devices before assigning a guard.
Process Overview
Typical steps: identify the crossing location, document why a guard is needed, submit the request to the city program, and allow time for an on-site evaluation. If assigned, a guard will be scheduled per school hours; if not, the city will explain why.
- Gather peak arrival and dismissal times and dates.
- Document traffic speeds, observed hazards, and number of child pedestrians.
- Contact the city program to submit the request and supporting information.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of school crossing rules, illegal passing at crosswalks, and related traffic violations is handled by the Metro Nashville Police Department Traffic Unit; for enforcement actions and reporting, contact the Traffic Unit directly MNPD Traffic Unit[2].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat/continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: officers may issue warnings, direct drivers, or refer cases to court; specific orders or suspensions are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer and inspection: Metro Nashville Police Department Traffic Unit conducts enforcement and responds to complaints.
- Appeal/review routes and time limits: not specified on the cited page; contact the Traffic Unit for appeal information.
Applications & Forms
The city program accepts requests and supporting information; a public application form is not listed on the program page and specific submission forms or fees are not specified on the cited page. Contact the program to confirm required documents and the preferred submission method.
Action Steps
- Collect photos, approximate counts of students, and arrival/dismissal times.
- Submit the request to the School Crossing Guard Program online or by phone; request a site evaluation.
- Allow the city time for on-site review; follow up if you do not receive a response within the timeframe provided by staff.
FAQ
- Who can request a crossing guard?
- Parents, school staff, neighborhood groups, or elected officials may request a crossing guard; the city evaluates each location based on safety criteria.
- How long does the evaluation take?
- Timeframes are not specified on the cited program page; contact the program for current processing times.
- Is there a fee to request a crossing guard?
- No public fee is listed on the program page; fees are not specified on the cited page.
How-To
- Identify the exact intersection and collect arrival/dismissal times and photos.
- Contact the School Crossing Guard Program and submit the information requested on their intake channel.
- Request an on-site traffic evaluation and ask for the estimated timeline for a decision.
- If denied, request a written explanation and contact your school or council member to escalate the concern.
Key Takeaways
- Provide clear time and pedestrian counts to speed evaluations.
- MNPD enforces crossing rules; report dangerous driving immediately.
Help and Support / Resources
- School Crossing Guard Program - Metro Nashville
- Metro Nashville Police Department - Traffic Unit
- Metro Nashville Public Schools - Safe Routes