Sen. Brenda Gilmore congratulates John Drake on appointment to MNPD chief
NASHVILLE — Sen. Brenda Gilmore applauded the appointment of Metro Nashville police veteran John Drake to chief of police in a statement issued Tuesday.
“Getting community police work right is more important and challenging than ever before. John Drake has demonstrated clearly his professionalism and ability to lead, but it is his deep, personal connection to our city that tells me he also has the heart to steer the department in the direction we must go to build trust and improve collaboration.”
According to the Tennessee Lookout, Drake is a Nashville native, whose career in the Metro Nashville Police Department began 32 years ago as a patrol officer. The Lookout reported that Drake committed to immediate reforms including launching a new community outreach division, improving how his department responds to mental health-related calls and hiring more women and minorities. Drake also said a new memorandum of understanding would be finalized soon between the police department and the Community Oversight Board.
