Metro Council preview: Police video policy up for key vote
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Metro Council will likely take a decisive vote Tuesday on a proposal to overhaul the police department's policy for using private companies' video surveillance footage.
Why it matters: Council rejected a proposed contract between police and a private firm to oversee the video footage, citing concerns over privacy and the use of the technology to enforce federal immigration laws.
- In response to that battle, Metro Councilmember Rollin Horton crafted a broad policy for how police can use a network of video cameras owned by businesses and private property owners.
State of play: The plan up for a key second vote is for the policy, not the contract. But Horton is one of several members who voted against the contract last year.
- If his legislation is approved, which is likely, it would seem to give the contract a better chance of passing as well.
- Police want to use a network of privately-owned video cameras to solve certain crimes. The technology gives police instant access, and private businesses opt into the program to share their footage.
Council will also vote on a resolution asking the police department to evaluate safety plans for Metro Nashville Public Schools. The legislation was filed in the wake of the Antioch school shooting.
- The Nashville school board passed a measure earlier this month to install weapons detection systems at all MNPS high schools.
- Metro Councilmember Emily Benedict's proposal to move the Historic Zoning Commission's staff to the Planning Department is also on the agenda. Benedict's plan must be approved at three meetings in order to take effect.