Seattle City Council ready to flick on new Real Time Crime Center cameras in PikePine and the Central District

The Seattle City Council plans to approve the expansion of the Real Time Crime Center, including new surveillance cameras in Pike/Pine and the Central District. This initiative, backed by Mayor Bruce Harrell, seeks to address public safety concerns related to gun violence, particularly around Garfield High School. The proposed Capitol Hill camera system will cost about $400,000 to install and $35,000 annually to operate. Opponents, such as mayoral candidate Katie Wilson, argue that increasing surveillance does not equate to enhanced safety and may expose residents to federal targeting. The council’s public safety committee has already endorsed the expansion, citing the necessity of the system in preventing crime.

The proposed boundaries for the surveillance area cover key locations, including Cal Anderson Park and several schools. Concerns regarding data privacy and potential legal disputes with agencies like ICE have emerged during discussions. The city currently operates over 350 traffic cameras, with the Real Time Crime Center consisting of 57 cameras at three locations.