Who's Watching You: Council Set to Approve Surveillance Policy

In 2014, it's likely surveillance cameras will be on the streets and in public parks around Woodinville.

The Woodinville City Council is set to vote on video camera surveillance policy at their regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 6. They approved the use of video cameras on public streets and in parks in May, in an effort to improve public safety.

The Woodinville Police Chief, Sydney Jackson, will determine where the cameras are placed in public although they won't be allowed to face inside any buildings. The locations will also be marked with signage that states, "This Area is Subject to Video Monitoring by the Woodinville Police Department." A list of video cameras and their whereabouts around the city will also be posted on the city's website. 

Footage will be kept for no more than 30 days unless it's being saved for a police investigation, court proceeding, internal investigation, public disclosure request, criminal or civil process, or other use approved by the police chief. No one will be continuously monitoring the cameras, according to the policy draft. 

The police chief will also create a monthly report stating if video footage has been used and why, the policy draft states.