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Clement takes campaign swipe at Serpas
Bob Clement on Thursday opened a new front in his mayoral campaign, but his new line of criticism was not directed at his rival Karl Dean. It was directed at the leadership of the Metro Nashville Police Department.
At a press conference in which he called for increasing the number of officers dedicated to patrolling the Hickory Hollow business district of Antioch, Clement said it was time for the police department to come under new leadership, and hinted that he, if elected, would do so by looking to replace Chief Ronal Serpas, who has led the department since 2003.
“A mayor is CEO — he’s a planner, he’s an organizer. He’s the chief architect of the city. And the Chief of Police does report to the mayor,” Clement said.
Clement refused to say directly if he would look to remove Serpas, even though he acknowledged it would be more difficult for him to do so than to remove some other top Metro officials should he be elected.
“The next mayor the first day can have a new deputy mayor, a new director of finance and a new director of law… And under civil service [guidelines Serpas is] protected,” Clement said. “But I’ll say this to you; it’s very, very important that the people of Nashville feel safe and secure. A lot of them don’t feel safe and secure these days.”
In an interview later in the day, Serpas disagreed with Clement’s assessment, and noted that a recent independent survey put the general public’s satisfaction with the Police Department at 80 percent.
Serpas said that regardless of the outcome of the election, he has no plans to step down until the 10 years he committed to serving as chief have expired.
However, at yesterday’s press conference near Hickory Hollow Mall, Clement took direct aim at police policies that have been the hallmark of Serpas’ tenure — namely a higher degree of emphasis on traffic enforcement as means to deter and fight crime.
“I’d rather for our police to be in the neighborhoods and the communities than writing traffic tickets on the Interstate highway system,” Clement said. “The Hickory Hollow business district, which is the heart and soul of Antioch, does not feel safe and secure. We only have one patrol car in the area. And we must do better.”
According to Serpas, police statistics show that officers make less than 8 percent of their traffic stops on the highways that run through Nashville. The department points out that because of its use of “Flex” units and specialized units such as the Gang Unit, there are never any areas of the city that have only one officer on patrol.
Serpas vigorously defended his department, and said that Clement and those who criticize traffic enforcement are ignoring facts.
“I can’t image Mr. Clement’s campaign or Mr. Dean’s campaign or anyone’s campaign would want us to release the nearly 19,000 individuals — that’s nearly 24 percent of all our arrests — we made in 2006 as a result of traffic stops.”
He said Clement was wrong to say that traffic enforcement slows down police response time, another charge Clement made on Thursday.
“Emergency response to people who are in imminent danger has been about nine minutes for the last 10 years and continues to be nine minutes,” Serpas said. “What slows down response is the 74 percent increase in officer activity. And officers are being pulled in so many different directions… None of the top 10 types of calls we’re dispatched to have anything to do with robbery, rape or assault. They have to do with accidents, alarms and asking officers for assistance.”
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If any public official was open to criticism it certainly had to be Serpas.
One should hope not that any of the top 10 calls would be robbery, rape or assault. "They have to do with accidents, alarms and asking officers for assistance.” Isn't that what "Protect and Serve" is all about?
Clement is right on the money when it comes to Serpas.The traffic stops are to build revenue first, then if and only if they find anything else criminal that's even better. The traffic tickets are Serpas's main concern and not the crime on the streets. He did the same thing in New Orleans and look at the crime rate there.In a recent mayoral meeting Clement was asked if Mayor how would he handle the crime going on, in and around MDHA/Section 8 properties which has distroyed whole neighborhoods. The Supreme Court Ruling regarding goverment assisted properties and criminals (HUD vs Rucker)was mentioned to Clement in the question and he ignored answering it. Dean had left early to do Channel 5+ so was unable to question Dean with the same."Willie Cole, murderer living under the roof of MDHA properties" is a perfect example of who is housing the criminals at the tax payers expense. Chief Serpas refuses to abide by the federal and state laws (HUD vs Rucker) regarding Phil Ryan's MDHA rental properties. Ryan is aiding and abedding criminals on state and federal funds and our current Mayor, Chief Serpas and Phil Ryan are all involved in the criminal behavior.Areas where there is "OPEN DRUG TRAFFICKING
By: BADCOPS on 8/31/07 Clement is right on the money when it comes to Serpas.WHO ISN'T?
Well Clement just lost my vote. Chief Serpas has done a great job. Stopping speeders is part of his department's job. Don't speed and you will not get a ticket. Hey chief, put patrol car on his butt 24/7!
Clement might've lost your vote, Titan1, but I'll bet he picked up a lot more with this latest posturing.Serpas isn't effectively managing the time his officers spend while on duty (proficiency at radar and laser usage doesn't make one a better cop); he's lost the respect of many of his officers; and he's deemed to be a predatory butthead by more citizens than not. Lots of negatives to overcome, when you specialize in genuine tax generation rather than true community crime prevention.
Ronald Serpas is a joke! Sure he stops speeders but,That is so he can put extra money in his budget without doing the real job of cutting on crime. What is he doing about all the gangs and the high amount of murders our city continues to have year after year?Why do we need the GUARDIAN ANGELS in our city if it is so safe? Sounds to me like Serpas has some hidden agendas along with the head of our fines schools PEDRO GARCIA.... You go BOB!
He is working on the gang problems and murders but you don't ignore one area to do the others.
Where is a speeding ticket written? I can assure you it is not on the leg of I-440 from 40 to the Hillsboro Road/21st exit...; not in Green Hills, 7 Hills, "37212"... and what about the in house crime that is happening through out the "services" areas for our most needy? Theft, assault, and other despicable acts are not being addressed. And they don't have to get all lawman ... just a more regular presence would make a HUGE difference ... but I suppose walking the halls while kids are in class with a cup of coffee is ... oh DON'T GET ME STARTED... Serpas has been a lackey to the uppity side of town just like his twin brother Garcia over at the school board.
This alone might make me vote for Clement. I certainly do NOT feel safe. Burglary, theft, and violent crime (other than homicide) are on the rise. I'll bet Serpas would sing a different tune if HIS neighborhood had had TWO home invasions in the past 6 months. And traffic? Sure. There is a regular radar trap on a street nearby. It's set up just over a hill so anyone who happens to come over the hill and has momentum carry them over the limit get nabbed. But slowing down the racetrack known as I-65--not a chance. As WrdBrn said: just a regular presence would make a big difference. Let's see some patrol cars when they are not responding to a call. Is that so hard to do?
1) Clement is getting desperate if he is resorting to attacking Serpas.2) I do believe there are problems with Serpas' MNPD, but I believe it is very wrong for Clement (or any candidate) to attack the police chief during a campaign. It is an inappropriate posture to make in public, especially when the Mayor in Nashville can't fire the Chief, unless it is for good cause. And while many people do disagree with Serpas' management choices, that won't be nearly good enough to meet the legal standard for "good cause". This kind of posturing by Clement is dangerous and irresponsible. 3) It also appears, at least in part, that Clement's basis for attack is false data, which feeds into both 1) and 2). He keeps hammering on the tickets given on interstates, when it has been demonstrated that barely any tickets are given by MNPD on interstates.
How many deaths are caused on city streets versus in our homes and businesses. We lost two children and two adults on Donelson Pike and just this morning, grid lock on our interstate system due to a traffic problem. Have you seen the weekday Nascar drivers on our roads. And on top of this, they have cell phones. Am I saying we should back away from protecting our neighborhoods and businesses. No! But with traffic stops, it does bring some order and often (a lot) they get criminals that are out of their neighborhoods. Do I feel safe. Not like I use to. But compared to Memphis, Atlanta, Louisville. You better believe I feel safer here than those locations. Clement is a true politician. He harps on the things that people fear the most yet he never gives you a clear and detailed way of fixing it. In the article, does he actually tell you in great detail how he is going to make us safer. No! He gives a general overview. Did he come out when he became a public citizen and go talk to the police department and give them his playbook on how to get'r done. No! I'll bet if Clement is elected, we are no safer and maybe worse off. Having said that! Do I agree with everything Serpas does. No! But all in all, he has done more than in the past. Lets ask Clement to meet Serpas and give him the playbook and see what Clement has to offer. Maybe a prime time discussion. I'm sure Clement has an advisor and he should be invited as well to discuss these fix its Clement has. Otherwise, Bob! Your ten minutes of fame are up and lets move on.
New Orleans needs Chief Serpas to come back home! Maybe he can straighten out the most corrupt police department in the United States. I also heard from the officers that COMSTAT is an acronym for creation of manipulated statistics that appear truthful.
Serpas according to the post in all the local newspapers your approval is more like 10% not 80%.As a fairly newcomer to Nashville I haven't gone a day since moving to East Nashville without having constant crackheads wheeling and dealing around my home. For years I have called the police, given them names, tags, vehicle descriptions and years later nothing has been done except the Chief flagged me along with two Sargents from East for reporting the drug dealers. "I was giving them a bad name
ScottAfter all that back and forth yesterday, now I can see you are obviously working in Dean's camp. You do not want to talk about the facts or issues but only resort to personal attacks now on Bob Clement calling him desperate. The reality is that Dean is out of touch with the community and only has a one track campaign on education, as if it were the root of all evil. Education is important but it takes much more to run a city and to protect those living here.
Out of touch? He discovered yesterday that WalMart doesn't have valet parking!
ScottPlease explain1. What is good cause2. Why anyone should not question the performance of those in such a powerful position being paid by mine and all other county residents tax dollars.Please explain this to me
"In an interview later in the day, Serpas disagreed with Clement’s assessment, and noted that a recent independent survey put the general public’s satisfaction with the Police Department at 80 percent."I'd like to see what survery he's talking about. Sounds to me like someone got the percentages backwards.
Clemnt lost my vote by putting down the best police chief Nashville has ever had and I sure as hell won't vote for Dean. When he smiles at the end of one of his tv ads, he looks like a blood sucking vampire. So I'll let the rest of you put one of them in office, I want no part of them. I think I should have voted for Howard Gentry.
I'm not a Dean supporter and don't know Serpas personally, but this wreaks of desperation to me. I have no problems with Serpas and, as an active member of my neighborhood association, have been impressed with the police department's approach, openness, and candor.This whole tactic is desperate but effective. The unions (big Clement supporters) are happy and, if Clement can't kick out Serpas he hasn't broken a promise. Also, few people are ever really HAPPY with the PD, but those that have experienced crime or waited for response are almost ALWAYS unhappy. Heck, if you've just called 911 I imagine 9 seconds, much less than 9 minutes, seems like forever.I hope Clement doesn't benefit from this, and I hope Serpas isn't hurt. I'm still waiting to see something from one of these candidates that really leads me to believe they have the capacity to lead.
RIGHT ON CLEMENT!!!!Thank you for having the guts to bring this issue to the press and for the people. This has been in the back of many of our heads and I just want to thank you for bringing this out. Any mayor who is willing to take a serious issue and put out a challenge is very refreshing. I was undecided and now you have another vote. Thank you... Thank you... Thank you...
The other issue that hasn't been brought up here is the moral of the police force. Through my job, I have personally talked to multiple police officers who all say that Serpas has to go. They've told me that many officers are waiting to see who gets elected mayor and if it's Dean, they're leaving for other jobs. There are major concerns within the department, and Dean will continue the status quo. Clement will bring change and build moral.We already have 70 vacant spots on the force because we can't recruit officers - if you want a stronger, happier police force, don't vote for Dean.
Maybe the ones you "talk" to, are not happy because they are are lazy and the chief wants them to do their job. The chief can't do it my himself, it sounds like there are a few officers who don't like hard work.
Maybe they aren't happy because Serpas is a terrible police chief, and has been viewed as such long before this election?
Clement's proclaimations are nothing but that. He is pandering, and local folks can't seem to recognize that these days. As mayor, he would have NO real control over property taxes, immigration or the police department. As mayor, he will surely become the next joke on The Daily Show. That's about it.
By: mpeach on 8/31/07 RIGHT ON CLEMENT!!!!Thank you for having the guts to bring this issue to the press and for the people. This has been in the back of many of our heads and I just want to thank you for bringing this out. Funny 2 days ago he was denying he ever said that when the Teamsters were telling the cops that.Titian I am begining to think you might be his BF or son with all your cheerleading posts.
Pam, I think it is considered bad form to use two different names in the same post (EASTNASHVILLE and BADCOPS). Also, it's fascinating that so many ofyou got your panties in a wad about traffic stops -- when 25% of traffic stops in East Nashville yield someone that already has a warrant. I feel safer knowing that fugitives are off the street. I just got stopped for speeding in south Nashville, but I won't complain. I WAS speeding.
That's not it at all. They all seemed to have a great passion for their job - they just said they were very unhappy with the way Serpas ran the department. MNPD also is lacking in retirement packages compared to other departments. How are we supposed to recruit new officers if they don't like their boss and aren't compensated fairly?Also, they all liked Clement's proposal of providing incentives for police to live in Davidson Co. to keep more patrol cars in Nashville neighborhoods at night.
By: WrdBrn on 8/31/07 Where is a speeding ticket written? I can assure you it is not on the leg of I-440 from 40 to the Hillsboro Road/21st exit...****That's odd, I see tickets written there daily. On both sides of the interstate. I love it when folks from out of state or county barrel up on my 55mph tail and I see them a few minutes later with the blue flashing lights behind them!
with so many speeders,is it possible the limits are too low?
YES the limits are too low! Especially when the city lowers the speed limit due to home owners whining about traffic noise, just like what happened on 440. Talk about a joke.
The change on 440 to 55mph didn't work. Nobody - especially trucks -obeys it and it is still noisy as he!! next to it from what I'm told.
hes` not even the real Carl Dean... the real Carl Dean is married to DOLLY !!!!!!
55 is a crawl. The limit is too low.
Looks like NCP is supporting Dean, the Tennessean is supporting Dean and the Scene is supporting Dean. But Clements commercial says the majority of community newspapers support him. What gives?
idgaf, I am not cheerleading, just taking up for someone who I think is doing a very good job. There is always room for improvment which is the case with anything. I like his attitude and how straight forward he is. He wants to fight all crime including the speeders and red light runners. Those two things kill also. He has made progress in the gang problem and does not ignore murders and other crime. I don't know of anyone who could do better, if he or she is out there, let it be known they can do better.
Yet another promise from Bob Clement. Maybe he was 'testing the waters' by delegating a Teamster goon to imply that Clement would get rid of Serpas in a watch call. Remember the Teamsters were with Clement from the beginning, surprised FOP expects any help from him although I'm sure he made promises.If you liked Bill Boner, you'll love Clement. Maybe Bob will take some harmonica lessons so he can appear on national TV and embarass us again.
37205, I saw a car getting cited at the 21st Avenue exit of I-440 yesterday afternoon.Serpas' effectiveness is open to debate. But Clement using it to pander to gullible voters is not, it's a disgrace.
Speaking of writing tickets and why I hope he instructs them to write even more. There is an intersection that my family and I go through just about every day, Amalie and Old Hickory Blvd. It is between Nolensville Road and Edmonson Pike. If you are sitting on Amalie and the light turns green you better not go until you see all four lanes of traffic are stopped I have counted five cars going through while I am looking at a green light. Two or three going through more times than not. People, this is very dangerous, don't blame the chief, blame the idiot drivers. If the police cut back on the citations, it will only get worse. If you receive a citation, you deserved it.
And how many of those who run the redlight are pulled over Titan? Probably none.
Anyone notice how we're not allowed to comment on the City Paper's endorsement of Dean? LOL
"But Clements commercial says the majority of community newspapers support him. What gives?"It's actually true. Clement has about 8 papers endorsing him, but they're small papers no one has heard of.
I guess they don't want too many "hits."
"3352
Titan1, A fellow I know swears that he knows who you are....He says you are one of the nicest but most gullible people he knows.
And who would that be Frank? What makes me gullible, because I don't like idiot drivers that think they are the only ones on the road? Because they cause accidents and hurt or kill innocent people?
One thing I've noticed is that they need to make some lights longer. Especially on Waldron Road in Lavergne. You can't get thru two consecutive lights and there is always a long line of traffic. I've seen many people run the lights there.One time, as Titan said, I almost got run over by an SUV going thru the light at around 60 in a 35. Of course not a police officer in sight. But if my brake light is out...
Well, one thing we can say about catching speeders through our subdivision and the area neighborhood,and leading our neighborhood association, is that the Metro Police Department,Chief Serpas, Commander Miller, and all of the West Precinct personnel, are stopping speeders through our area at our request to slow them down, and in the process we are catching people with drugs, guns, outstanding warrants, expired tags, unlicensed drivers, stolen merchandise, etc. So somebody needs to take a long and slow look at our area and others, before they start changing things like forgetting about speeders for us. Chief Serpas has always been very responsive to us, and so has Commander Miller and his total precinct personnel. We think we have told both candidates how we feel about our Police and their work for us out here. We have even had contact from other Precinct personnel, too, over the last four years. Things have only gotten better for neighborhood groups, since Chief Serpas has been leading the Police Dept., the way we see it. Wallace and Janice
The # 1 reason people are upset with Serpas is b/c of traffic stops. You know what Nashville, if you don't want to be stopped, don't speed. The police ENFORCE the law. If you don't want to be bothered by the police, don't break the law. It's that simple. Serpas made traffic enforcement a higher priority than the previous cheifs, and the media sure has done their part to help "add fuel to the fire".
Wallace and rolltide, that is what I have been saying, I'm glad someone else is speaking up for him, but I get called gullible.
"If you liked Bill Boner, you'll love Clement. Maybe Bob will take some harmonica lessons so he can appear on national TV and embarass us again."Actually I have him pegged as a flute player myself. (Not that there is anything wrong with flute players)