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MNPD Chief of Police Steve Anderson resigns amid calls for his ouster

MNPD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne)  --  Metro Nashville Chief of Police Steve Anderson resigned Thursday morning, but will remain at his post through at least October.

Anderson’s retirement at the end of a 45 year career at MNPD comes amidst growing calls for his ouster.

Earlier this month, a large group of  Metro Council members signed on to a resolution calling for the chief’s resignation. The Tennessee Chapter of the ACLU had also called on Anderson to step down.

Chief Anderson has been seen by many as an obstacle to police reform. The MNPD and Nashville’s Community Oversight Board remain at odds 20 months after Metro voters approved formation of the police oversight panel.

MNPD made an embarrassing mistake earlier this month when it arrested and then quickly released two prominent Nashville protest leaders. The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police has inspired a number of large protest marches in Nashville and nationwide.

In a press statement, Mayor John Cooper thanked Anderson for his service to the community saying the Chief has been an “effective leader – a dedicated public servant who has the admiration of his officers and the thanks of a grateful Mayor.”

Mayor Cooper went on to say Metro will begin a national search to fill MNPD’s top post. The mayor promised a hiring process that will include community input.

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