Metro Council considers license plate readers again

• Benedict's proposal, first reported by the Nashville Banner, is a litmus test of the cameras in the new, more progressive Metro Council.

Details: At the end of its previous term, Metro Council approved permanently extending a six-month pilot program to use LPRs to solve serious crimes.

• Since then, the city has requested proposals to contract with a vendor for the cameras.
• Benedict says at least some of the existing cameras and signage remain posted, although they are currently offline.

State of play: Supporters say the cameras are a commonplace policing tool that makes Nashville safer. Critics say they are an invasion of privacy and disproportionately posted in minority communities.

• When he was on the council, Mayor Freddie O'Connell voted against LPRs. O'Connell has no comment on Benedict's proposal, his spokesperson says.

Yes, but: Benedict tells Axios this is a temporary measure, adding, "I don't think now is the time to repeal the program."

• Council will still have to sign off on the final contract once a vendor is chosen.