Metro Council one step closer to creating private surveillance network for Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Nashville police are a step closer to creating a private surveillance network across the city.
The Metro Council has been fighting for months over a system that would let police access private cameras, with owner permission.
'I'm here to urge you to reject these so-called guardrails which are nothing more than a sugar coating on a poison pill,' one Nashvillian said during public comment.
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There were passionate arguments surrounding an ordinance that details a set of rules on when and how Metro police can access video from private surveillance cameras, with an owner's permission.
'Nothing in this lets you know your immigration status, it has nothing to do with your sexual preferences,' one Metro councilmember explained Tuesday night.
Since the bill was first introduced, sponsors have made several amendments such as a stringent audit process.
'Anytime there is a violation of rules MNPD has to promptly notify us as well as the mayor's office and there has to be an annual report published to the council detailing how the program is being used, how many times they were accessed, why they were accessed,' one Metro councilmember explained Tuesday night.
PREVIOUS | Metro Council approves bill on community camera safety network during final reading
Another amendment includes when Metro police can access delayed video feed.
'There has to be a service call put in and it must be a public safety measure. That is the only time a camera can be accessed,' said Jordan Huffman, Metro Council District 14.
Huffman is a sponsor of the bill. He also created an amendment that allows cameras to only be placed in common areas of residential areas like apartment complexes. 'Privacy is a risk we are talking about at the end of the day.'
And now that these guardrails have passed, Huffman hopes a contract with FUSUS can come to their desk. It's a surveillance program that would allow police to access business surveillance cameras with their consent to help fight crime.
Huffman said many businesses in his district have expressed interest. 'In my district alone, I have had dozens of dozens that want to participate in this program.'
However, those in opposition expressed concern about whether or not the program can be exploited by the state and federal governments.
'What happens to the data that FUSUS collects? Where does it go? Is it shared without oversight? Does ICE have access,' one Nashvillian said during public comment.
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Twenty-eight council members voted in favor of the ordinance. Seven voted no and one councilmember sustained.
Huffman told News 2 he hopes a FUSUS contract will be on council members' desks in April.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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