Nashville Police Department changes physical fitness requirements, adds 'lactation rooms' to precincts in bid to recruit more female officers

In 2021, the Metro Nashville Police Department signed on to an initiative aimed at recruiting more women, with the eventual goal of achieving a 30 percent female force by 2030. The MNPD has made a number of changes since then to create a more female-friendly workplace, including replacing the physical fitness requirements with physical ability tests, and adding "lactation rooms" to its precincts.

While the moves have resulted in an uptick in women joining the force, many have raised concerns about whether altering the requirements will have an adverse impact on officers' ability to apprehend criminals.

According to WSMV, as of February 2024 about 13 percent of MNPD officers are women, up from 11 percent the previous year. 
 

"We're definitely growing, so if we can just keep that momentum going," Commander Tiffany Gibson told the outlet. "I believe that it is definitely attainable. We still have some time, and we're just going to keep working really hard to keep making sure that we get there, at least very close to it."

She added that alongside the reduced fitness standards and lactation rooms, the force is also offering more flexible schedules, and is in the process of determining whether it can open a 24/7 childcare facility.

Footage of part of the physical ability test, first introduced shortly before the MNPD signed on to the 30x30 initiative in 2021, was shared to X by Nashville resident Matt Walsh.

"It looks like an obstacle course set up for third graders at recess," he said. "My four year old daughter could pass this test."

"As a resident of Nashville I can only hope that the only people committing crimes in this city are 600 pounds and have no legs," he added. "But even then they could probably roll away fast enough to escape."