The Seattle Metro Chamber, Challenge Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association, and Washington Roundtable today applauded Mayor Katie Wilson’s decision to move forward with initial expansion of public safety cameras following the independent civil rights and civil liberties audit of Seattle’s Real Time Crime Center.
The decision responds to an issue Seattle voters have been clear about. A poll commissioned earlier this year by the Seattle Metro Chamber and Challenge Seattle found 75% of Seattle voters supported allowing public safety cameras to assist active investigations, while 74% supported cameras at major event venues and 71% supported cameras in areas experiencing open-air drug markets and high levels of street disorder.
The National Institute of Justice estimated that cameras helped reduce crime by nearly 12% in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. In the parts of downtown Baltimore covered by cameras, crime fell nearly 25% after installation. A separate study linked Chicago’s real-time crime centers to 11% higher case clearance rates.
“Cameras can help first responders see what they’re walking into and give detectives evidence to solve crimes. Seattle should turn them on and be clear with the public about who can use them and when. This is the right call for Seattle, and we thank Mayor Wilson for listening to employers, residents, and public safety leaders and moving forward,” said Joe Nguyễn, President and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber.
The four organizations have consistently called on City leaders to turn the cameras on while putting appropriate safeguards in place.
“Residents and businesses have sent a clear message: they want our officers to have the tools to keep them safe. By moving forward with camera expansion, Mayor Wilson is taking a critical step toward a safer city,” said former Attorney General and Governor Chris Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle. “People should feel safe heading to work, taking their kids to the waterfront, attending a game, and opening their businesses each morning. This is important progress.”
In August, the Seattle Metro Chamber and Challenge Seattle released research showing broad support for a larger public safety agenda. In addition to support for cameras, 90% of voters backed regular police patrols in areas facing persistent safety problems, and 86% wanted the City to produce a measurable public safety action plan within 100 days.
“We commend Mayor Wilson for a thoughtful decision to leverage 21st century technology to keep Seattle safe. There is strong public support for public safety cameras in our community and fortunately, our city already has stringent privacy guardrails in place to ensure cameras are used appropriately by law enforcement,” said Downtown Seattle Association President & CEO Jon Scholes. “With Seattle Police staffing levels still lagging, additional public safety tools are essential for solving crimes and making the best use of the limited available patrol officers and investigative resources. We’re grateful to Mayor Wilson for embracing a modern approach to improving public safety in Seattle.”
“The announcement today by Mayor Wilson is what a modern, sensible public safety decision looks like,” said Rachel Smith, President of the Washington Roundtable. “Expanding the use of tools that keep the public safe and help first responders do their job shouldn’t be controversial, and in fact with Seattle voters and business leaders, it’s not. We appreciate the Mayor’s decision and believe this is a solid step forward in making progress on public safety.”
The groups will continue advocating for measurable public safety outcomes, adequate resources and clear accountability from City leaders.
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About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,600 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882, the Chamber represents a regional workforce of approximately 750,000.
About Challenge Seattle
Challenge Seattle is an alliance of 23 organizations representing some of the region’s largest employers and most successful innovators. Led by former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, the organization brings together the leadership and resources of its members to address some of the region’s most pressing civic challenges.
About the Downtown Seattle Association
Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. By advocating on issues including transportation, economic development and the urban experience, DSA works to ensure that downtown remains a great place to live, work, shop and play for all. DSA also manages the Metropolitan Improvement District, a business-improvement area spanning 300 square blocks downtown.