Discipline Finalized For 3 MNPD Personnel Involved In Mistaken Edgehill Search Warrant

From the City of Nashville:

May 14, 2021

Chief John Drake today announced that the disciplinary process has concluded for the three decommissioned personnel involved in the August 18, 2020 mistaken search warrant execution at an Edgehill apartment.

Lieutenant Harrison Dooley, a 12-year MNPD veteran, at the time the supervisor of the West Precinct’s overnight shift, has been demoted to sergeant and will be suspended for 10 days without pay.

Sergeant Jeff Brown, a 22-year MNPD veteran, at the time the supervisor of the West Precinct’s Crime Suppression Unit, will be suspended 30 days without pay and is subject to demotion to police officer if he violates MNPD policy during the next five years.

Officer Michael Richardson, a 5-year MNPD veteran, at the time the case officer and affiant on the search warrant, will be suspended for 20 days without pay.

Dooley, Brown and Richardson agreed that the sanctions are non-appealable and are final.

“The discipline given to the three is significant, as were the missteps in the preparation and execution of this search warrant,” Chief Drake said. “All three admitted to violating our policies and procedures and are being held accountable.”

The search warrant concerned a 16-year-old who was under investigation for property crimes. He and his mother moved out of the apartment, and a new family had moved in, several months prior to the execution of the search warrant.

Chief Drake ordered a full Office of Professional Accountability Investigation and the decommissioning of Dooley, Brown and Richardson the following day. He also directed that search warrant refresher training take place for MNPD investigative components.

This press release was produced by the City of Nashville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.