Chief Drake defends SROs amid funding issue for MNPDs Rapid Response Team [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Metro Nashville Police Department may not have enough money to pay officers who respond to school emergencies.

Chief John Drake says they do not have ‘permanent funding’ for Rapid Response Teams and he’s working to secure the necessary funding. Chief Drake said these teams have already made schools safe, and are an added layer of protection to School Resource Officers (SROs).

Just last month, Drake explained how a ‘Rapid Response Team’ arrested a man for following a 15-year-old after she got off the school bus. He shared how there have been several other incidents involving individuals with guns on school property where the response unit quickly identified the person and made an arrest.

The specialized unit was formed after the Covenant School shooting on March 27, 2023. The cost of maintaining the program is approximately $2.6 million according to the Metro Nashville Council.

Metro Council …