What is going on with FUSUS?

Rachel IacovoneWPLN News (File)

What’s going on with FUSUS? And how do you even say it?

These are questions on the minds of Nashvillians plugged into Metro Council. FUSUS (FEW-sis) is a private company describing itself as an “open and unified intelligence ecosystem that integrates and enhances all public safety and investigations assets for law enforcement, first responders, and private security personnel.” From that sentence, it’s hard to understand what exactly they sell or what they do — though they have managed to make their intentions clear to Nashville’s Metro Council. They want to increase their contract from $175,000 to $250,000.

The technology is already in place in Nashville and an increased budget will help MNPD integrate more public camera footage and private surveillance footage (from those who opt in) into a streamlined, cloud-based platform. The data will be much more accessible, and it will purportedly help MNPD solve and prevent crimes.

Others aren’t so sure the effects of more surveillance will be positive. Opponents believe this technology will lead to increased profiling and arrests within marginalized communities. Reminiscent of the debate about license plate readers, locals have mixed feelings whether the technology will be helpful or harmful.

Council will vote on the contract February 6. Before then, This Is Nashville will speak with local reporters, lawmakers, and advocates to better understand this tech.

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