Nashville Police Use of Force Policies - City Guide
This guide explains how to read Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) use-of-force policies and where to file complaints in Nashville, Tennessee. It summarizes the official policy sources, how enforcement and reviews are handled, what penalties or disciplinary measures may apply, and the practical steps residents can take to request records or report incidents. The goal is to give clear, actionable information about the rules that govern MNPD officers and the local procedures for oversight and appeals.
Overview of MNPD use-of-force policy
The MNPD publishes its use-of-force rules in its General Orders and related policy documents; these define when officers may use force, reporting and review requirements, and training standards. Official policy text and General Orders are available from the city police department policy pages Metropolitan Nashville Police Department - General Orders[1].
Penalties & Enforcement
How allegations of improper force are handled in Nashville is set out across MNPD policy and the city complaint processes. Monetary fines for officers arising from internal disciplinary decisions are not specified on the cited MNPD policy pages; criminal fines or penalties depend on any separate criminal charges and applicable state law MNPD General Orders[1].
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page MNPD General Orders[1].
- Escalation: first incidents, repeat incidents, and continuing violations are processed through internal investigation; specific escalation fine ranges or schedules are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: administrative findings can lead to counseling, retraining, written reprimands, suspension, demotion, or termination, depending on investigative outcomes and disciplinary procedures as managed by MNPD internal units and city personnel rules MNPD Complaints & Internal Affairs[2].
- Enforcer and reviewers: investigations are conducted by MNPD internal affairs or designated investigative units; criminal matters may be prosecuted by the District Attorney. Appeal routes and employment appeal boards are governed by municipal personnel rules; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages Metro Nashville Code[3].
Applications & Forms
The city provides a citizen complaint process and a complaint form on the MNPD complaints page; if no form is required, the page explains how to submit an allegation by phone, email, or in person. Fees are not applicable to filing a complaint; see the complaints page for submission details and contact information MNPD Complaints & Internal Affairs[2].
How incidents are reviewed
Reported use-of-force incidents are subject to initial supervisory review, followed by an internal investigation when policy questions arise. Serious incidents typically trigger a more extensive administrative review and may be audited by oversight bodies as provided in city rules and MNPD policy.
- Reporting: officers must complete required reports and supervisors must review force incidents under General Orders MNPD General Orders[1].
- How to complain: submit a citizen complaint via the department web form, by phone, or in person; the complaints page lists contact methods MNPD Complaints & Internal Affairs[2].
- Public records: incident reports and body-worn camera footage may be subject to public records requests under Tennessee law and city procedures; check the city code and records office for process and any exemptions Metro Nashville Code[3].
Action steps
- Preserve evidence: note date, time, location, officer badge numbers, and witness contacts.
- File a complaint: use the MNPD complaints page contact methods and form.
- Request records: submit a public records request for reports and body-worn camera footage if applicable.
- Seek appeal: follow the review and appeal paths described in city personnel rules and MNPD procedures.
FAQ
- How can I read the MNPD use-of-force policy?
- You can read the published General Orders and related policy documents on the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department policy pages linked from the city website.
- How do I file a complaint about an officer's use of force?
- File a citizen complaint through MNPD's complaints page by web form, phone, or in person; the complaints page provides instructions and contact details.
- Will officers be fined personally for policy violations?
- Internal disciplinary outcomes such as suspension or termination are possible; specific monetary fines for officers are not specified on the cited MNPD policy pages.
- How do I get body-worn camera footage?
- Request it via a public records request following the city's records procedure; exemptions under state law may apply.
How-To
- Find the MNPD General Orders and use-of-force policy on the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department policy pages.
- Collect evidence: write down times, locations, officer identifiers, and witness names and contact details.
- File a citizen complaint using the MNPD complaints page or the department's designated submission methods.
- Submit a public records request if you need incident reports or body-worn camera footage.
- Follow up with MNPD or the appropriate city office for status, and consult the published appeal or personnel procedures if you contest the outcome.
Key Takeaways
- MNPD publishes General Orders that define use-of-force rules and reporting obligations.
- Complaints are processed by MNPD internal units; criminal matters may proceed separately.
- Preserve evidence and file complaints promptly to support review.
Help and Support / Resources
- Metropolitan Nashville Police Department - Complaints & Internal Affairs
- Metropolitan Nashville Police Department - General Orders
- Metro Nashville Code of Ordinances (Municode)