Video Surveillance On Public Streets Approved by Woodinville City Council

The Woodinville City Council on Tuesday, May 21, approved the use of video cameras on public streets and parks in an effort to improve public safety.

The vote was 5-1, with Mayor Bernie Talmas voting against.

"My goal ... is to reduce the crime rate. We believe it helps identify suspects and provides best evidence in court," Woodinville Police Chief Sydney Jackson said of the program. "They can be used as a police force multiplier ... eyes at different intersections will certainly help us with our job."

Specific locations have not yet been identified but Jackson said cameras would likely be placed at major intersections that are considered portals to the city. She also said the video cameras would not include audio capabilities and that there would be signage placed near the cameras so people are aware of them.

"They won't be used for general surveillance of the public," Jackson said. She added that they won't have the resources to monitor video footage on a daily basis. Footage will be reviewed after police have been alerted of a crime and the intention is to identify a suspect or suspect vehicle. 

Three surveys were done seeking public input about video surveillance and according to city documents, overall, the city received 363 survey responses, with about 56 percent opposing the use of video cameras for law enforcement.

Councilmembers questioned whether those surveys were accurate and whether a person could complete an online survey more than once.

Talmas said he wasn't in favor of the program because in spite of best intentions, "it is an invasion of the public's privacy. 

"It's difficult to control something like this once it's out there," he said.

Councilmember Scott Hageman said he likes that there's going to be signage so people are forewarned and that he'd like to make sure the program is evaluated one or two years down the road. 
 
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington got involved in the Woodinville discussion by circulating a petition urging the Woodinville City Council to reject the use of video cameras on public streets and set an example for the state.

Program specifics will be mapped out and presented to the council at a later date.