Crime & Safety
Nashville Faces Police Shortage, Police Union Claims
The police union says that Nashville isn't adding enough officers to keep up with the population boom.
NASHVILLE, TN -- Between 2013 and 2016, Nashville added about 41,000 people. The Metro Nashville Police Department grew by 126 officers. That's not enough, the Fraternal Order of Police says.
FOP president James Smallwood told WSMV that MNPD needs between 200 and 400 more officers than it currently employs and that when it does add officers, they need to be on the street and that they need to be retained.
MNPD lost 105 officers last year and Smallwood said that's only going to increase, reflecting a nationwide trend.
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"When there [are] other jobs out there that pay better, that treat you better, that have a higher level of morale amongst employees, why would you choose to come here?" Smallwood told the station. "It's hard to argue the other side."
Twenty-nine new officers will join the force following academy graduation Tuesday. See more from Channel 4.
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Image via Metro Nashville Police
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