Nashville Chief Tells Media He is Frustrated by Release of Repeat Criminals
Chief John Drake has become increasingly frustrated the last 10 days from three different violent crimes in April where the accused suspects were out on bond for other crimes.
Nashville's top police leader John Drake minced no words in a recent interview with Channel 5 about repeat offender crimes.
Chief Drake has become increasingly frustrated the last 10 days from three different violent crimes in April where the accused suspects were out on bond for other crimes. The overarching picture from Drake is that he wants the criminal justice agencies to communicate better, especially when it comes to suspected offenders' threats to public safety.
Recently, a musician was shot and killed, an Amazon delivery driver was raped and kidnapped and a high school student ran from a man trying to kidnap her.
The state legislature is moving forward with putting a referendum on the ballot to ask voters if those suspected of violent crimes should have their bond privileges revoked. That measure could be seen on the ballot as early as 2026.
However, Drake is more concerned about the now. He wants the entire criminal justice system from public defenders, judges and the Nashville District Attorney's Office to have a conversation. Drake said he knows those suspected of crimes have their Constitutional right to bond. However, he said it should be a discussion of what to do with those who continue to commit crimes over and over.
More Command

How Smart Fleet Technology Is Transforming Police Operations
Police agencies are leveraging fleet data to reduce collisions, improve officer safety, control maintenance costs, and strengthen public accountability. This ebook explores how modern telematics and fleet management technology are helping departments operate more efficiently while maximizing taxpayer resources.
Read More →
NEOGOV Acquires Off-Duty Law Enforcement Software Platform PowerDetails
With the acquisition of PowerDetails, NEOGOV expands its footprint within public safety agencies to offer both on-duty and off-duty scheduling.
Read More →
FBI-LEEDA Launches Inaugural Five Star Chief Executive Institute
FBI-LEEDA’s recently-launched Five Star Chief Executive Institute is a two-week executive program that equips senior law enforcement leaders with strategic skills for modern policing.
Read More →
Why Police Leaders Must Champion Parking Enforcement
For police and transportation departments, traditional parking enforcement exposes officers to risk, such as standing on busy roads to issue paper tickets or catching offenders in dangerous, congested areas. Modern technology changes this, reducing exposure, speeding processes, and limiting confrontations.
Read More →More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor
Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.
Read More →IACP 2025 - From the Show Floor
Take a look inside the expo at IACP 2025 to see a sampling of what is displayed for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.
Read More →
Pro-gard Expands Law Enforcement Vehicle Protection and Transport Solutions
Pro-gard has introduced HD Fender and Headlight Wraps for added front-end protection and a new P1300 Pro-Cell transport system for Ford F-150 and Super Duty models.
Read More →
COPS Teams With The Wounded Blue To Help Injured And Disabled Law Enforcement Officers And Their Families
Free officer-wellness training comes to Las Vegas Sept. 22–25: The Wounded Blue’s 5th Annual National Law Enforcement Survival Summit opens registration.
Read More →
Video: Officer Crawls Across Ladder to Rescue Family from Floodwaters
When floodwaters overturned a vehicle in rural New Mexico, Officer Walker Eby risked his life—crawling over raging currents on a ladder—to rescue a woman, her child, and their dog.
Read More →
Ahmedabad, India, to Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games
Birmingham, Alabama, hosted the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, and Ahmedabad, India, has been announced as the host city for 2029.
Read More →