The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Specialized Investigations Division (SID) is comprised of seven specialized sections: Seizure and Equipment, Security Threat, TITANS, Non-Lethal Shooting, NIBIN, Neighborhood Safety, and Interdiction. Each section is staffed with personnel possessing advanced knowledge, investigative experience, and specialized training to fulfill our mission — disrupting shooting cycles, dismantling violent networks, and reducing crime across Nashville and Davidson County.
This mission is achieved through a precision, data-driven approach that leverages actionable intelligence, targeted enforcement, and collaborative strategies. SID maintains strong partnerships with the community and with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to maximize impact. In addition, the division plays a critical role in addressing the overdose crisis by conducting outreach, overdose investigations, street-level narcotics enforcement, and long-term trafficking cases.
Organizational Structure
The Seizures and Equipment Section consists of two specialized units:
- Seizures Unit: This unit is highly skilled in federal and state seizure and forfeiture laws. It manages the department’s entire seizure process — including drug, gambling, prostitution, and felony forfeiture cases — and works closely with the Tennessee Department of Safety and the Metropolitan Legal Department. Personnel also represent MNPD in confiscation hearings before the Tennessee Department of Administrative Procedures.
- Equipment Unit: This unit oversees vehicles, surveillance systems, communications devices, and other specialized equipment for SID operations. It also supports other MNPD components and conducts forensic analysis of electronic devices in the division’s on-site digital forensics lab.
The Security Threat Section (STS) brings together critical public safety functions under one coordinated umbrella, including the Counterterrorism Unit, Criminal Intelligence Unit, Dignitary Protection Unit, and Crime Stoppers.
STS proactively investigates and mitigates threats to Nashville’s security, collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to prevent acts of violence and disrupt emerging threats before they occur.
(The Investigative Team Addressing Neighborhood Shootings)
The TITANS Section focuses on disrupting cycles of gun violence and apprehending violent offenders through intelligence-led, precision policing strategies. By identifying high-risk locations, networks, and individuals, TITANS directly targets those responsible for repeat shootings and violent incidents.
TITANS works closely with the Homicide Unit and the Non-Lethal Shooting Section to support investigations and enhance coordinated responses.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Investigating gang-related crimes.
- Investigating NIBIN ballistic leads.
- Partnering with ATF, DEA, FBI, and TBI on major investigations.
The Non-Lethal Shooting Section investigates all incidents in which individuals suffer gunshot injuries requiring hospitalization — excluding fatal, domestic, or self-inflicted cases. By identifying suspects, motives, and connections between shootings, the NLS Section plays a pivotal role in disrupting retaliatory violence and preventing future shootings. This section works closely with TITANS, NIBIN, and other investigative units to close cases, identify patterns, and dismantle networks driving gun crime.
The NIBIN Section uses advanced forensic technology to connect ballistic evidence from multiple crime scenes, linking shootings and identifying individuals and firearms involved in ongoing violence. Its mission is to turn ballistic data into actionable intelligence that disrupts shooting cycles and identifies the sources of crime guns.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Developing and delivering training for MNPD personnel and prosecutors on forensic evidence and NIBIN lead utilization.
- Conducting triage and analysis of NIBIN and ATF E-Trace data and sharing intelligence with local, state, and federal partners.
- Investigating firearm trafficking and straw purchasing activities.
- Administering the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
The Neighborhood Safety Section leads long-term investigations into narcotics trafficking, overdose deaths, and criminal vice operations across Davidson County. The section also conducts outreach and prevention efforts to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Through targeted enforcement and collaboration, the section helps disrupt criminal networks that fuel violence and shootings in our communities.
- If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, contact the Community Overdose Response Team at 615-687-1701.
- To report drug or vice activity, contact Crime Stoppers at 615-74-CRIME or visit hubNashville (Request Type: Narcotics/Prostitution/Loitering).
The Interdiction Section focuses on disrupting the movement and distribution of narcotics across Davidson County and beyond. Comprised of highly trained Narcotic Detection K-9 Detectives, this section targets trafficking networks through:
- Interstate and corridor traffic enforcement.
- Bus line, parcel, and storage facility inspections.
- Intelligence-based interdiction operations.
The section also supports MNPD’s K-9 detection needs and oversees training and annual certification for drug detection dogs. Close collaboration with state and federal partners ensures a unified approach to intercepting narcotics and the violence they drive.
Division Commander
Assistant: Makeshia Anderson