Nashville should implement license plate readers in the name of public safety

Usage License plate readers (LPRs) in law enforcement It has emerged as a vital tool in reducing prejudice and increasing public safety. These devices capture images of license plates, not people, and the data collected is tied to the vehicle, not the driver. This provides an objective approach to policing that focuses on facts rather than personal characteristics.

LPRs help eliminate human biases by automating the detection of vehicles involved in criminal activities. This automation eliminates the subjective judgment of traffic stops, which have historically shown disparities in how minority drivers are treated. LPRs promote fairness and efficiency in law enforcement by focusing on tools rather than individuals, resulting in faster response times and more effective allocation of resources.

It is important to recognize that license plates are primarily available to law enforcement. On public roadways where there is no expectation of privacy, LPRs play an important role in enforcing laws and ensuring public safety. These systems operate with stringent security measures to protect sensitive data and allow only authorized personnel to access this information.

Surrounding counties adopted LPRs. So should Nashville

Despite these clear benefits, implementation of LPRs has stalled in Nashville. This delay in implementing LPRs goes against the Council majority, which voted 24 to 14 in favor of the program. Due to the lack of enforcement of LPRs, bias in policing continues and the will of the citizens of Nashville and their elected representatives is ignored.

Additionally, Nashville’s delay in implementing LPRs has significant public safety implications. Surrounding counties and jurisdictions have already adopted this technology, turning Davidson County into a potential safe haven for criminals taking advantage of the lack of enforcement. Numerous arrests occurred only when suspects left Nashville and entered areas where LPRs were used.

If the metro government cannot implement an LPR system, private companies will step in and establish their own LPRs in Nashville neighborhoods. This has already happened at Haynes Park in Bordeaux and Poplar Creek Estates in Bellevue.

Literature: Citizens want license plate readers, but Nashville’s mayor and council are keeping up

As the cost of private LPR systems continues to drop, more neighborhoods will inevitably follow. The installation of private LPRs will further complicate the problem by leading to inconsistent data processing, lack of public oversight, and potential privacy concerns. By failing to act, the Metro government is allowing control of LPR data to be lost by default.

Nashville shouldn’t fall behind on public safety

Finally, the Metro government’s delay in implementing LPRs represents a missed opportunity to reduce bias, improve police department efficiency, and protect the citizens of Nashville.

As other major cities across the United States adopt LPRs to improve public safety, Nashville risks being left behind, to the detriment of our community.

I call on Mayor Freddie O’Connell to identify and approve the funding necessary to launch an LPR program in Nashville and to commit to a timeline for the purchase and implementation of this critical technology.

Taking these steps will demonstrate his commitment to justice in policing and the safety of our citizens.

Matthew Drewes has lived in Nashville for 24 years, six years downtown and the last 10 years in the Richland-West End neighborhood. A Vanderbilt graduate, he spent eight years assisting public safety agencies with technology while also serving as a husband, father, kidney donor and board member of local nonprofits.

This article first appeared in the Nashville Tennessean: License plate readers will improve public safety in Nashville | Idea