NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - A former Nashville police lieutenant called it a spit in the face to Nashvillians.
He claims police leadership secretly worked with state lawmakers on a law to get rid of the Community Oversight Board created by Nashville's voters. The law created a new board with much less power to oversee police.
News 2 obtained a copy of the man's complaint. In the 61-page report, former Lt. Garet Davidson attacked the police department for a range of hot button issues, including the Community Oversight Board.
In both the report and on his podcast, Davidson accused command staff of lobbying state lawmakers on a bill to dissolve the Community Oversight Board.
"I am coming to you today to provide a statement about why I have filed a 61-page complaint with the Metro Nashville Police Department," Davidson said.
Davidson filed a complaint with the mayor's office, office of professional accountability, and the community review board. At Metro, he worked in the office of professional accountability, the department that investigates police misconduct.
"Some of those in leadership may feel betrayed by what I am doing. To that, I simply say I felt betrayed by how often their stated values and rhetoric did not align with their actions," said Davidson during his podcast.
On Page 3, the report accuses the police department of being "involved in the process of crafting legislation to reduce the Nashville community oversight board's ability to operate and hold the MNPD accountable."
"The fourth item involves command staff efforts on the legislation which overturned Nashville's community oversight board, which was significant enough that a deputy chief was presented an award at OPA for his efforts," Davidson said on in his podcast.
At this week's Community Review Board meeting, Davidson's complaint was top of mind.
"The involvement of certain individuals pertaining to the law that was assembled on Capitol Hill, and people who may have been involved in crafting that law, I think that's very, very concerning," said Board Member Alisha Haddock.
"I will not sit in this meeting and pretend like we have a 61-page document that has some very serious and critical issues and not say one word about it. I refuse to do that," Executive Director Jill Fitcheard added.
The MNPD sent News 2 a statement from Chief John Drake. It states that the MNPD will "investigate the complaint...and look at whether our administrative processes for internal investigations and discipline need any refinement."
Davidson left the police department at the beginning of the year, saying he would pursue other ventures.
| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County
"We must do what we believe to be right or true, or else we have betrayed ourselves," said Davidson.
It's important to note, Davidson is pursuing a new career as an author and podcaster.
News 2 reached out to the mayor's office. They are aware of the complaint and will evaluate the best path forward.