Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced the next steps in the Crime Prevention Technology pilot, part of the broader One Seattle Safety Framework aimed at enhancing neighborhood safety. Following extensive public outreach and five Community Safety Forums, the pilot will introduce closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in three high-crime areas: Aurora Avenue North, downtown Third Avenue, and the Chinatown-International District (CID). The initiative also incorporates real-time crime center (RTCC) software for improved data analysis and investigations.
“Seattle needs more options in our public safety toolkit,” said Mayor Harrell. “This pilot will add proven, evidence-based solutions to address gun violence, human trafficking, and other persistent crimes.” The program, funded with $1.8 million approved by the City Council, focuses on CCTV and RTCC technologies, excluding the acoustic gunshot locator system due to cost.
The pilot aims to deter crime through public awareness of the cameras and enhance evidence collection to hold offenders accountable. It includes an expansion of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to all police vehicles with dashcams. This will aid in solving active investigations, locating missing persons, and recovering stolen vehicles. Gun violence incidents in Seattle have increased by 13.4% this year.
Complementing the technology, the pilot will feature increased police patrols, community-based initiatives, and improved lighting and cleaning in targeted areas. The City has completed Surveillance Impact Reports for the new technologies and engaged over 1,000 public comments. The program will be evaluated by external experts, with preliminary results expected after one year.
Read more about Mayor Harrell’s vision
