Right now, people who want to become police officers in Nashville are subject to standards based off the military. There are height and weight requirements, and health history requirements.
Using army standards sends the wrong message about policing, says Russ Hicks, a retired officer and police academy trainer.
“Police officers are not soldiers,” Hicks says. “Getting away from a military culture and their standards is a significant change that can lead to a more positive direction in policing and reflect the true mission.”
The physical fitness requirements for Metro Nashville Police officers could change if ballot Amendment 2 passes during this election.
MNPD’s police chief, former officers and experts think it will make the force more reflective of the community. And, it may help with the department’s staffing shortage.
Early voting for Nashville's 8/4 election begins Friday! There is an important Charter Amendment (Amendment 2) on the ballot that will help streamline & modernize the MNPD's hiring process for new officers. Here's more from Chief Drake. Please vote YES on Amendment 2! pic.twitter.com/Nu1hlTXBxr
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) July 12, 2022
Retired Metro Police lieutenant Mark Wynn says Amendment 2 could open the door for a group that has historically been underrepresented in the police force — women.
“Women generate fewer complaints from the public. They generate fewer use of force incidents. They generate fewer lawsuits,” Wynn says. “And, so, what’s wrong with us? I mean, women should have been running police, you know, for decades.”
Yet, nationally, that’s not the case.
Only 13% of officers are women, and it’s even lower than that in Nashville at 11%.
“We need more women in policing,” Wynn says. “I think we’ve got a long way to go to reach gender parity.”
MNPD says many of the upcoming police academy classes have higher percentages of women. And, improving those numbers is a priority — with the department pledging to reach 30% by 2030.
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