Seattle Chamber poll finds strong voter support for public safety cameras

A new poll commissioned by the Seattle Metro Chamber finds strong support for public safety cameras, with three out of four Seattle voters surveyed backing their use to help investigate crimes.

The support also crosses political lines, ranging from a slim majority of self-described progressives to more than eight in 10 liberals and nearly nine in 10 moderates and conservatives.

Chamber CEO Joe Nguyen said the results send a clear message.

“Seattle voters have provided a clear roadmap for action. They support using cameras to investigate crime, maintaining a strong public safety presence where problems persist, and delivering a public safety action plan with measurable goals and regular accountability.”

Voters also back expanding cameras to the Seattle Center, high-crime areas

The poll also found broad support for expanding the cameras. Seventy-four percent support using them at places like the Seattle Center, while 71% support cameras in areas with open-air drug markets and heavy street disorder.

Another 68% support allowing civilian public safety workers to monitor cameras in real time in designated high-crime areas and during major events.

The survey also found only about a third of voters are confident Mayor Katie Wilson’s administration has an effective public safety plan.

Wilson turned off cameras in the Stadium District after the World Cup while the city reviews privacy concerns and how surveillance footage is handled. Critics of the camera program have raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and how surveillance footage could be used.

The Chamber poll was conducted by Fulcrum Strategy Group Aug. 10-13 and surveyed 500 registered Seattle voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.