Council revives proposal for police to use private video footage

The intrigue: The new legislation would create the framework for police to use private video footage. Businesses opt into the program voluntarily, and police access the surveillance footage to investigate specific crimes.

• The proposal creates guardrails that dictate how the police would use private video footage. It requires police to post their policies for the program on the department's website, and mandates regular audits.
• The mayor's office and Metro Council would have the power to terminate the program if it is revealed the police are not following the guidelines.

How it works: Police can already request private businesses and residents to provide video footage, but the program would allow investigators to access video footage instantly.

• Those who opt in would be given hardware that their video camera hooks up to, and allowing police to access their video automatically.

In the room: The new proposal is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Rollin Horton and Brenda Gadd, both of whom voted against the plan last month.

• Metro Council narrowly rejected a proposed contract between police and a private contractor last month. The contract required 21 votes for approval but garnered only 20 in support.

Flashback: Progressive Metro Council members had concerns about over-policing, the targeting of minority groups and the potential use of the video network to enforce federal immigration policy as President-elect Trump takes office.

• Police chief John Drake says the technology would help the department solve crimes and keep the community safer.

What they're saying: That the legislation was filed by former opponents indicates there's a path for the department's contract with the firm Fusus to be approved.

• "There were no legal safeguards in place for the first Fusus contract. Safeguards matter," Horton tells Axios. "If our city is considering investing in this technology, we need to ensure it's used the way (and only in the way) we intend, with guardrails and consequences for misuse.
• "By setting clear boundaries for a community safety camera network, we can better protect privacy, uphold civil rights, and build trust between law enforcement and our community," Gadd says.

What's next: O'Connell said his office began collaborating with Horton after he reached following his opposition last month. "We're supporting him and his colleagues hopefully creating not only a policy framework, but also a second round of broader discussion on this that leads to broader support."

• O'Connell added that he hopes the proposed contract with Fusus is brought back, "but we're obviously eager to see how the council discussion starts again."