Hit-and-runs lead to renewed push for LPR cameras in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — There's a push for the return of license plate recognition technology following two hit-and-run crashes in Nashville over the past week. However, some community members are concerned those cameras could be used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A Florida man visiting Nashville with his family for his 21st birthday was seriously injured after a silver Mitsubishi Mirage hit him at a Church Street crosswalk, threw him airborne, and drove off on Sunday, May 18, as seen in surveillance video. His mother spoke with News 2 after the incident and questioned Nashville's lack of LPR cameras.
Mother pushes for LPRs in Nashville after son injured in hit-and-run crash
Then, on Wednesday, May 21, a 23-year-old Nashville woman was crossing Bell Road on an electric bike when she was hit by a dark sedan, which sped off, running several red lights along the way, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. The bicyclist was brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she died.
District 32 Metro Councilwoman Joy Styles is calling for the city to reinstall its LPR cameras. She believes this technology will help catch those two hit-and-run drivers, as well as help with other crime efforts.
'We are living in very difficult times because we continue to have issues with crime in Nashville and we also are having issues regarding the federal enforcement and ICE officers,' Styles said.
Grandmother of bicyclist killed in Antioch hit-and-run pleads for driver to come forward
According to Styles, ICE agents and other federal authorities won't have access to LPRs.
However, News 2 spoke with several leaders in Nashville's Hispanic community who shared their concerns.
'We have seen here, specifically in our own backyard here in Nashville, with indiscriminate and cruel increased immigration enforcement,' Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition Government Relations Manager Luis Mata said. 'We know that our federal and state leaders, we know their intentions, right? And that is to use local resources against our immigrant residents.'
Demonstrators rally against ICE presence in South Nashville
Churches have also expressed unease over LPRs since some of their congregants are worried about potential deportations.
'I think that there has to be a separation of power, how it is in our Constitution, written by Thomas Jefferson, and I think that we should not be harassing people or targeting people,' Pastor Isaac Gomez said.
Gomez is working to protect his congregation, saying he believes the Hispanic community is unfairly targeted.
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For the second year in a row, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell did not include funding specifically for LPR technology in his proposed budget, but he told News 2 he believes there is room in the numbers to include LPRs.
'If we can get our proposed LPR policy framework through the Metro Council, we believe we could fund that initiative,' O'Connell said. 'And I think there would be many different opportunities. You're not going to see a line item in there for it, but I think the capacity is there.'
Meanwhile, a Vanderbilt University poll released in April found that 83% of respondents supported allowing MNPD to use roadside cameras to identify vehicles tied to violent crimes, stolen vehicles, and missing persons 'if they are tied to strict limitations on use and data protection.'
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