NASHVILLE, TN — A collaborative conversation about safer and more transparent policing took place on September 11th at the North Police Precinct, bringing together faith leaders, activists, and law enforcement officials to address the changing dynamics of policing in one of Nashville’s most historic and rapidly transforming communities. The meeting was organized by civil rights activist Reverend Venita Lewis and convened members of the Nashville Police Review Committee, including Pastor Howard Jones, Reverend Venita Lewis, Pastor Barry Barlow, Angel Stansberry, and David Conner.
They were joined by Commander Steven Bowers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Chief Greg Robinson, Tennessee State University, and Alberta Auguste of MNPD in a session that emphasized collaboration over confrontation. The committee’s goals were clear and focused: To promote transparent policing in North Nashville, safer policing practices involving college students, particularly regarding ticketing incidents near Hadley Park, increased African American police presence within the community, and discussion of safety for the homeless in North Nashville.
“This community is aggressively being gentrified,” Rev. Lewis explained. “And unfortunately, the police departments appear to be following that trend. The presence of African American officers in North Nashville has noticeably declined, even as the neighborhood’s demographics continue to shift.”
The tone of the meeting was constructive with both community representatives and law enforcement officials agreeing that safety, fairness, and representation must remain central to public service.
The next meeting is scheduled, Thursday, November 6 at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at Kingdom Café and is open to the public. For more information, call 615-237-1110.
