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Metro Council’s Women’s Caucus takes allegations against MNPD ‘very seriously’

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Posted at 1:16 PM, Aug 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-19 14:16:59-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Women’s Caucus of the Metro Council has released a statement after allegations of sexual misconduct within the Metro Nashville Police Department emerged.

The caucus released the statement Wednesday, saying it takes the allegations “very seriously” and condemns “any acts of sexual assault” within the department.

“While we respect due process, we also expect a thorough investigation that treats these women fairly and that, in good faith, seeks the truth. We cannot be silent when sexual assault occurs. We will not tolerate it,” the caucus said in part.

Earlier this month, Mayor John Cooper called for an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct with the department. The mayor’s office later said they consider it to be a criminal investigation.

Interim Chief John Drake later released a statement, saying in part: “I want to be clear that I and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department have absolutely no tolerance for sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. Any allegation of that nature against any police department employee will be taken very seriously and investigated."

Former Metro police officer Greta McClain created the group "Silent No Longer" and said she found more than two dozen current and former MNPD employees who say they've been sexually assaulted, harassed or discriminated against.