Council readying plan for Seattle Police to roll out test of new anti-crime camera system in three areas of the city

The Seattle City Council's public safety committee is set to vote on an important legislation that would launch a $1. 8 million pilot program aimed at enhancing public safety through a new surveillance system. This initiative will combine Closed-Circuit Television cameras with real-time crime center software, focusing on three locations: Aurora Ave N, the International District, and the 3rd Ave corridor downtown. Notably, the program will not include gunshot detection technology, which was originally part of the proposal but was removed in response to community feedback. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) will leverage advanced software that integrates multiple data sources to improve crime analysis and investigations.

To ensure accountability and effectiveness, the legislation outlines a structure for evaluating the program, with the Office of Inspector General for Public Safety engaging outside experts for guidance. The city anticipates conducting evaluations after the first year and a final assessment after the second year to consider a potential citywide rollout. This pilot program also aligns with the city's recent establishment of "Stay Out of Drugs Areas" and "Stay Out of Area Prostitution" zones, indicating a broader strategy for public safety. The outcome of this initiative could significantly impact community safety and policing practices in Seattle.