Metro Council preview: Deciding vote on private camera footage for police
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After months of debate and delays, Metro Council is expected to finally vote Tuesday on a proposal that would allow the police department to use a database of video footage pulled from private security cameras.
Why it matters: Police say the system would allow them to access surveillance video with footage of crimes more quickly, which in turn helps them solve more serious crimes faster.
- Critics worry that the arrangement could lead to violations of privacy and the possible use of the footage for immigration enforcement.
The big picture: The proposed contract between the Metro Nashville Police Department and the firm Fusus figures to be a precursor to the more controversial implementation of license plate readers across Davidson County.
How it works: Camera owners opt into the system to provide their video footage to police. The program is for businesses, apartment complexes and private property owners, but not a single-family doorbell camera.
- Council members have questioned the necessity of the program since police already have the power to request video footage from businesses and private residents.
- Progressive groups, including the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, oppose the plan.
- The Nashville Banner reports Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration proposed an amendment that would allow for the contract to immediately be terminated if state or federal agencies seek to use the video data in a way that violates Metro policies.
What we're watching: Even if the Fusus contract is approved, the more combative debate about the police department using license plate reader technology to solve more serious crimes is waiting in the wings.