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Nashville mayor commits to former President Obama's 'My Brother's Keeper' reform pledge


Nashville Mayor John Cooper called on mayors across the country to take 'My Brother's Keeper' Pledge, first initiated by former President Barack Obama in 2014. PHOTO: FOX 17 News Nashville
Nashville Mayor John Cooper called on mayors across the country to take 'My Brother's Keeper' Pledge, first initiated by former President Barack Obama in 2014. PHOTO: FOX 17 News Nashville
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NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Nashville Mayor John Cooper called on mayors across the country to take 'My Brother's Keeper' Pledge, first initiated by former President Barack Obama in 2014.

Addressing the continued protests throughout Tennessee and the country following killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, Mayor Cooper referenced Obama's call for leaders to take the pledge. "Yesterday afternoon President Obama challenged every mayor in the United States to review their local use of force policy and develop necessary reforms for the good of their communities," Mayor Cooper said during Thursday's briefing.

"I am proud to commit Nashville to this national conversation and encourage all mayors everywhere to take the My Brother's Keeper Pledge," Mayor Cooper said. Mayor Cooper added the city will review use of force policies and engage minority communities in getting feedback for the review. "Nashville can set a new standard in policing," Mayor Cooper said. "I'm hopeful this collaborative effort will bring further reconciliation as we all work together to address racial injustice in our community."

Use of force policy reform will be represented by Eric Brown, Coordinator of Economic and Empowerment and Youth Development along with John Buntin, the Director of Policy and Community Safety. Their findings along with the feedback and changes will be shared with the public and ask for further feedback.

Also supporting the use of force review is Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson, who stated reform has been a "constant evolution" during his years with the department. "We're a good police department and we have good policies but both of those are subject to review at any time," Chief Anderson said.

Former President Obama's pledge calls on mayors to review use of force policies, engage communities by including diverse input, report findings to the community, seek feedback, and issue reforms to use of force policies.

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