MNPD & TSU remove officers from working downtown Nashville’s private ‘mercenary’ police force

As of last week, administrations of both the Metro Nashville and the Tennessee State University Police Departments have stopped scheduling officers to work secondary employment on the Downtown Partnership’s private police force, described as “mercenaries” by some, including Mayoral Candidate Alice Rolli. While MNPD says it was a “mutual decision” between them and the PSO (Private Security Organization), Jack Byrd, who manages the PSO, tells Scoop: Nashville the decision was solely his. The PSO has become controversial in recent weeks over reported ‘homeless roundups’ to clear up the area for tourists. A statement from an MNPD spokesperson ties the scheduling pause to an “insurance issue,” while TSU did not comment on their reasoning for stopping the program permanently. The remainder of the officers left working for the troubled PSO are primarily from Millersville PD & THP.