Seattle City Council considers protected data in plan to expand Real Time Crime Center cameras to PikePine and the Central District

The Seattle City Council's public safety committee is preparing to vote on legislation aimed at expanding the Police Department's surveillance camera pilot program to Capitol Hill and the Central District. This initiative could involve the use of select traffic cameras from the Seattle Department of Transportation to enhance public safety. Proposed boundaries for Capitol Hill encompass the Pike/Pine neighborhood and areas near Cal Anderson Park, while the Central District focuses on safeguarding Garfield High School. The Capitol Hill system installation is expected to cost around $400,000, with annual operational expenses estimated at $35,000. The Central District's installation has a budget of $425,000, also with $35,000 in ongoing costs.

Council members are considering amendments that would restrict camera installations to arterial streets and require assessments of the program's effectiveness in reducing violent crime. Additionally, there are concerns about how the program will manage data from private properties, particularly in areas with reported incidents of gun violence. The committee's decisions will significantly impact community safety and privacy considerations.