Amended legislation includes added data and privacy safeguards

Today the City Council voted 7-2 in favor of two crime prevention bills which authorize the installation of cameras in three new public places (Capitol Hill, the Stadium District, and areas near Garfield High) and allow Seattle Police to access Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) traffic management camera footage at the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). The expanded program also includes an amendment, sponsored by Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), aimed at avoiding any cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.

“Today’s legislation supporting the Real-Time Crime Center strikes an appropriate balance between public safety and privacy protection. Unfortunately, in this unprecedented era of federal overstepping, we need to be diligent,” said Councilmember Kettle, who also chairs the Public Safety Committee. “I want to thank my colleagues for their thoughtful work on this complex issue. As Public Safety Chair, my goal is to give the Seattle Police Department the tools it needs to protect our neighborhoods and provide a safe base for everyone in Seattle.”

Background

The original Surveillance Impact Report (SIR) for Closed-Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) Systems was adopted by the City in October 2024. Pilot deployment areas for cameras included Aurora Avenue North, Belltown, and the Downtown Commercial Core.

The ordinance permits retention of CCTV data for up to 30 days. However, Police Department officials limit local storage retention to five days unless required for an investigation.  

A condition to the authorization of the pilot requires the Council to evaluate the effectiveness and results of the program in 2026 and 2027.

Next steps

The bills now move to the Mayor’s desk for his consideration and signature.

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