The Metro Council has mixed feelings about whether to legally expand the authority of the Davidson County Sheriff. The body is set to vote tonight on amendments to the city charter that will go before voters in November.
When the city and county consolidated 50 years ago, the sheriff lost the job of crime-fighting, which was given solely to the police chief. Still an estimated 100 employees are doing jobs like courthouse security and interviewing inmates, which are not specifically authorized by the Metro Charter.
The charter amendment would allow the Metro Council to assign duties to the sheriff related to “intake, processing, identification and questioning.”
The proposal divided the mayor-appointed Charter Revision Commission, chaired by Dewey Branstetter.
“At least in my mind, there was some validity to continuing to maintain that separation.”
Ultimately, the commission approved the charter amendment on a 4-3 vote.
A dozen sheriff deputies investigate immigration status. The so-called 287(g) program is the subject of a pending lawsuit before the Tennessee Supreme Court, questioning whether the charter allows sheriff deputies to have any law enforcement role.
Councilman at large Tim Garrett says the court’s ruling may extend further than 287(g), which is already set to be phased out.
“There is a possibility that the decision could be broader than anticipated.”
Garrett says his intent for changing the charter is to protect the sheriff’s current role, not expand it. He argues the city saves money when sheriff’s employees do jobs that would otherwise take the time of sworn law officers.
Voters in Davidson County may have the final say in November if the council approves.
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