Council Member Brenda Gadd called for the vote to be deferred after several council members brought up concerns that the dog could be used as a surveillance tool.
Image Credit: Harry Murphy – Web Summit via Sportsfile –CC & Metro Nashville Network / YouTube
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Metro Nashville Police Department will be adding a “robotic dog” to its force, as well as several other devices that will be used to help prevent acts of terrorism.
On Tuesday, December 19, the Metro Nashville City Council approved a Homeland Security Grant. The grant will fund $740,450 worth of new equipment for the Office of Emergency Management and the department and will also cover the cost of training.
The grant application shows the equipment list to include atmospheric monitors, handheld spectrometers, pneumatic tools, portable radios and a Boston Dynamics Spot Robot.
The “infamous robot” features specialized sensors that can sense possible biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological threats while maintaining a safe distance. The “robotic dog” is also able to examine suspicious packages and potential explosives.
District 14 Council Member Jordan Huffman explained the importance of the robot for the MNPD’s hazardous device unit.
“I stated before that there have been over 300 [individual] bomb threats this year. If one of those is actually a bomb, then what we’re doing here tonight is worth it,” stated Huffman.
Huffman further stated that one potential use of the monitors is to be placed near large events in Nashville to detect the presence of any dangerous substances that could potentially be tossed in the crowd.
Council Member Brenda Gadd called for the vote to be deferred after several council members brought up concerns that the dog could be used as a surveillance tool, but Councilman Robert Nash countered the idea, saying, “it’s not going to be weaponized.”
Other council members also spoke up against postponing the vote because of recent safety concerns, particularly threats made against the Jewish community.
Council Member Sheri Winer mentioned the bomb threat made to Congregation Micah this past weekend. Police searched the building and did not find any evidence of a bomb.
“Guys, the time is now. Our safety is now. I cannot speak strongly enough about the need to just move forward,” Winer said. “We need to do our jobs.”
Council Member Erin Evans, chairperson of the Public Health and Safety Committee, also noted that receiving equipment can also take time and delaying the vote meant the possibility of delaying the arrival of the devices.
After voting against a deferment, the council approved the grant. Only District 12 Council Member Ginny Welsch voted against the resolution while four others abstained from the vote.
Watch this portion of the meeting below:
