NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Though Metro Council voted in a pilot program for license plate readers, an implementation may not happen immediately.
Mayor John Cooper's office told council persons that a public hearing would likely need to happen before they hit street lights.
"Any department intending to implement LPRs would likely go through the procurement process first, then bring whatever vendor contract results to the Council," officials from Mayor Cooper's office said.
The Mayor's office confirmed today - they agree a public hearing will be necessary before LPRs are acquired. Last week's enabling legislation did not change the requirement in the 2017 law for a public hearing before Metro physically acquires new surveillance technology. https://t.co/lPqXVnyFta
— Bob Mendes (@mendesbob) February 7, 2022
Council approved the readers in a controversial vote last week. The pilot program would only last six months and is expected to provide Metro Council with data to help them decide if they want to move forward with the program.
Area law enforcement has called the LPRs an invaluable resource that could help solve Amber Alerts and catch criminals on the run. They can also be used for drag racing, stolen cars, stolen plates, and parking offenses.
Nashville's Community Oversight Board and other groups have spoken out against the bill. Some thought the language needed tweaking while others didn't want to see the bill's passage at all.
