"On May 6, 2020 I contacted you to inform you a current employee of MNPD had contacted me and said they had overheard Capt. Jason Reinbold tell members of a hiring panel "I am just letting you know right now, I am the one who decides who to hire, and I am going to choose the most fuckable female, end of story. Recommend who you want, but that is who will be hired."
--Greta McClain
On April 22, 2020 Greta McClain of Silent No Longer TN reached out to Nashville Mayor, John Cooper to share devastating allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse within the Nashville Police Department. She was ignored. Several months later, a 45 page report was made available to the public. After both Nashville Scene & NPR reported the allegations, Mayor Cooper stated he hadn't "really read anything" about it. The following is McClain's letter to Mayor Cooper to help jog his memory.
Mayor Cooper,
After expressing my concerns to you many times over the past three months or so, I am extremely disappointed I have yet to receive so much as a simple acknowledgment of my emails or messages. As I have expressed to you on previous occasions, I do understand, and appreciate, the enormous pressure you and your staff are under due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as a former councilman, I have no doubt you were well aware the responsibilities of the Mayor’s office, and the fact you would need to have the ability to address numerous pressing issues at once. Unfortunately, you either do not have that particular, and very necessary skill, or you simply do not care about the corruption and unlawful conduct within the Metro Nashville Police Department.
In the event you cannot remember the issues that have been brought to your attention, let me refresh your memory.
On April 22, 2020, I informed you Capt. Jason Reinbold had shown a pattern of failing to live up ethics and code of conduct of the Metro Nashville Police Department, not to mention the expectations of all Nashvillians who expect those who take an oath to protect and serve to conduct themselves with integrity. I also provided you with evidence and case numbers regarding Capt. Reinbold being arrested for three counts domestic violence, which according to the MNPD handbook, means immediate dismissal on the first offense. I further illustrated Capt. Reinbold’s violations of other MNPD policies, including a variety in section 4.20.040 (Personal Behavior, Conduct Unbecoming an Employee of the Department), section 4.20.050 Official Obligations, and the failure of Dep. Chief Henry and Chief Anderson to properly supervise and hold all officers under their command to the ethical and legal standards set forth in the MNPD Employee Handbook.
On April 22, 2020 I further notified you I had several individuals within MNPD express great concern over the behavior of not only Capt. Rienbold, Dep. Chief Henry, Chief Anderson and numerous other high ranking members of the department.
On May 5, 2020 I notified you that Capt. Rienbold had violated Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-305, Disorderly Conduct, as well at Section 4.20.040 of the MNPD Employee Handbook once again. I also brought to your attention that Chief Steve Anderson had violated 1.90.030 on many occasions. The following day I followed up with and reiterated the information I had supplied you previously.
On May 6, 2020 I contacted you to inform you a current employee of MNPD had contacted me and say they had overheard Capt. Jason Reinbold tell members of a hiring panel "I am just letting you know right now, I am the one who decides who to hire, and I am going to choose the most fuckable female, end of story. Recommend who you want, but that is who will be hired."
On May 18, 2020 I left a phone message requesting someone from your office call or email me and at minimum confirm receipt of the email and to let you know I had also not received any response from Chief Anderson’s office.
On June 10, 2020 I contacted you and reminded you I had still not received any response from you, or from Chief Anderson’s office; who was clearly listed as a recipient on all previous emails. I also blind carbon copied various members of the Metro Council on the email. I explained to you I had conducted an anonymous survey of current and former MNPD sworn and civilian personnel and, as of June 10, 2020, I had two additional complaints of sexual assault, four complaints of sexual harassment, two complaints of gender discrimination and one complaint of racial discrimination. I still did not receive a response from you, however I did receive a call from the MNPD Office of Professional Accountability. Unfortunately, Det. Quinn stated he had no knowledge of the complaints that were filed with OPA. He could not provide an explanation of why he could find no complaints other than to say at times complaints were sent back to the precinct level for investigation. Clearly if this is what occurred, it is completely unacceptable for complaints involving criminal behavior or civil rights violations to be investigated by a Sergeant, Lieutenant or Commander.
I also find it completely unacceptable that I have still not received the disciplinary files I have requested twice: the first time in May and the second time in June.
I believe I, and the women who have been victimized by command level MNPD staff, have been more than reasonable, and have you given you ample time to respond. Your decision to not take this matter seriously is highly alarming. Although we had much rather speak with you regarding these issues, it appears as if that is not something you are willing to do. If that is the case, you have left us with no choice but to seek other remedies, including holding a press conference and releasing all evidence and correspondence previously sent to you.
Sincerely,
Greta McClain Founder/Director
Silent No Longer TN Sexual Assault Survivor
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