Seattle security camera network raises concerns about privacy

BY KIRO Radio Staff  on February 21, 2013 @ 11:07 am (Updated: 11:31 am - 2/21/13 )

camera columbia tower
A set of four cameras in downtown Seattle positioned to monitor the Columbia Center were acquired by a federal grant after the center was identified as a potential terrorist target after 9/11. (Image courtesy City of Seattle) | Zoom
There was a lot of passionate testimony to the Seattle City Council about a wireless camera network being installed around the city.

KING 5 reports a network of 34 cameras along the Seattle waterfront, in downtown Seattle, and at the Ballard and Fremont bridges, could be ready for operation late next month, but residents are mixed on whether safety or privacy concerns should win out.

Residents voiced concerns about cameras peering into their residences.

The city council and Seattle police tried to reassure residents that the cameras would be programmed to electronically block out homes and offices. The city has provided a video example of the masking technology.

The cameras will be used by several city agencies including the Seattle Police Department, Fire Department and the Seattle Department of Transportation.

Regulations for the system are still being worked out, and the program would still need an OK from the mayor, before the cameras could be turned on.

KIRO Radio Reporter Kim Shepard contributed to this report.

KIRO Radio Staff, Staff report
Straight from the newsdesk.
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Comments (3)


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  • otherpointofview wrote...
    needs approval???
    February 21, 2013 11:13 am
    sounds like they already got the approval..why would the city spend the money and time to get the cameras installed if it wasn't already approved???
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  • hpitantso wrote...
    City of Seattle
    February 21, 2013 11:51 am
    Should have a vote. Where's Timmy on this issue they want to tax our freedoms
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • southi5 wrote...
    Couldn't happen to a better city
    February 21, 2013 12:11 pm
    You people voted for the leaders of that city and this state, you reap what you sow, congratulations! Maybe rethink your strategy of voting by the letter after the candidates name and look into the policies they support. They don't need approval for the cameras, thats why they are installed already, bunch of sheeple in Seattle.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }