Police tasers, and the debates they spur, returned to Nashville’s council chambers this week as members approved a $15 million contract to outfit the city’s police department with new models.
Fusus, the controversial police surveillance contract, has been removed from Nashville’s Metro Council agenda
Nashville’s Metro Council will no longer consider the police surveillance contract they were set to take up at Tuesday’s meeting. Council members announced Monday that the legislation would be withdrawn. The Metro Nashville Police Department has also halted their usage of the program.
By rejecting contract for new Tasers, Nashville’s city council teases a new approach on police funding
“MNPD is the only department that we have refused to say ‘no’ to, and we treat them as if they have unfettered access to the coffers,” said Councilmember Delishia Porterfield.
Nashville police say new Tasers will help de-escalate tense situations, but deadly force is still an option
Tasers are supposed to help officers stop someone without shooting them. That’s why the Metro Nashville Police Department is spending about $6 million for new ones.
After pushback, Nashville council decides to spend city money, not federal dollars, on police Tasers
Nashville’s police department wanted almost $6 million for new Tasers and had requested it come from the federal COVID relief money the city had been allocated. But Metro Council got pushback from the community and within its chambers on what the city’s priorities are for the pandemic money.
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