MAYOR, POLICE CHIEF ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DETECTIVES
Staffing increase allows for four new detectives to start in July, September
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 27, 2008) -Mayor Karl Dean and Police Chief Ronal Serpas today announced the addition of three detectives to the Domestic Violence Division of the Metro Police Department to start July 1. A fourth detective will be added to the division in September.
“Domestic violence is a crime that affects not only individuals, but families and communities, as well,” Dean said. “During the 16 years I spent working as a public defender, I saw first hand how domestic abuse can lead to the offender committing other violent crimes, and how victims, including children, are often re-victimized or become offenders themselves. This was an issue affecting too many in our city then, and it is an issue that we need to address now.”
The four new detectives will bring the number of Domestic Violence detectives to 14, the highest number since July of 2004. Promotions, retirements, and military leave have impacted a number of police department components over the past five years, the Domestic Violence Division included. While five new detectives have been transferred to Domestic Violence since 2005, the increases have not kept pace with attrition.
“Family violence is one of the most often committed crimes in Nashville, and our Domestic Violence Division plays a key role in helping women and children escape from, and overcome, abusive relationships,” Serpas said. “The Domestic Violence Division additions we are announcing today would not be possible without Mayor Dean's strong support of our continuing aggressive hiring program and his commitment to a fully staffed police department.”
During 2007, the Metropolitan Police Department investigated 17,254 domestic violence incidents. While many of those were handled by patrol officers, 3,300 cases were assigned to Domestic Violence Division detectives for critical follow-up. In a number of situations, that follow-up prevented further serious physical harm and potential death of victims.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov