A coalition of 11 organizations that operate or host major public events in Seattle is urging Mayor Katie Wilson to reactivate police surveillance cameras in the stadium district and expand their use to Seattle Center following recent shootings in the city.
In a letter sent Aug. 3, the group said Seattle’s FIFA World Cup events were successful but warned that recent incidents of gun violence demonstrate that large public gatherings remain vulnerable to public safety threats. The organizations include Seafair, Climate Pledge Arena, Capitol Hill Block Party, Seattle Storm, Downtown Seattle Association, Visit Seattle, Washington State Ballpark, Seattle Convention Center, Space Needle, Seattle Sports Commission and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Seattle currently has about 60 police cameras operating on Aurora Avenue, downtown and in the Chinatown International District. Temporary cameras in the stadium district were activated during the World Cup because of a credible threat and were turned off afterward, consistent with the city’s plan.
Mayor Wilson has said she supports a careful review of the camera program, citing concerns about privacy, civil rights and the potential misuse of footage by other government agencies. Her office said the city will continue evaluating the program while increasing visible police presence at upcoming summer events.
The city has commissioned independent reviews by New York University and the University of Pennsylvania to examine the program’s effects on public safety, policing practices, privacy and civil liberties. Both evaluations are expected to be completed in September.
Supporters of the cameras argue they can help deter crime, aid investigations and improve public safety around major event venues while the city continues its review of the program.
