Earlier this week, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed legislation to implement two new public safety technologies as part of the Crime Prevention Technology Pilot, following its approval by the City Council earlier this week. The pilot is a key element of Mayor Harrell’s comprehensive strategy to enhance public safety, focusing on ensuring that every resident feels secure in their neighborhood.
“We must use every tool at our disposal to strengthen our public safety efforts, take dangerous guns off our streets, and hold offenders accountable,” said Harrell. “These evidence-based technologies will help law enforcement respond swiftly to crimes, particularly in areas facing high rates of gun violence, human trafficking, and felony crime. We know we must do more to prevent and reduce crime, and I’m grateful for the strong partnership with City Council members on these critical efforts.”
The pilot will introduce closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in three areas identified as experiencing disproportionately high criminal activity: Aurora Avenue North, the downtown Third Avenue corridor, and the Chinatown-International District (CID). Alongside CCTV, the program will also utilize Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) technology. This advanced system integrates multiple data sources—such as CCTV footage, 911 calls, dispatch information, and records management systems—allowing responding officers to access accurate, real-time information as incidents unfold.
“Technology is a force multiplier at a time when staffing is stretched thin,” said Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Sue Rahr. “Not only will the CCTV cameras create a deterrent effect, but they will also alert police to dangerous events and provide critical evidence to increase accountability for violent crimes.”
The initiative aims to support Seattle Police officers by providing them with timely, reliable information, improving their ability to respond effectively to criminal activity. It will be paired with broader crime prevention efforts, including increased police patrols, investments in community-based initiatives, and the installation of enhanced lighting and cleaning in high-crime areas. These technologies and strategies are part of a holistic approach to making neighborhoods safer.
“The Crime Prevention Technology Pilot offers Seattle Police another essential tool to keep our communities safe,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “This is a strategic focus on public safety, and I want to thank Mayor Harrell for exploring these technologies.”
Councilmember Rob Saka, Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, added, “CCTV and RTCC give our city the ability to use technology to help SPD investigate crimes quickly and bring cases to resolution. This legislation demonstrates our commitment to delivering the public safety that our city needs.”
In addition to CCTV and RTCC, Mayor Harrell’s 2025-2026 budget proposal allocates $2.4 million to establish and staff a Real-Time Crime Center, which will be integrated with the CCTV system to coordinate emergency responses. The budget also includes funding for new overhead lighting, similar to that recently installed on Third Avenue, aimed at improving safety and creating more welcoming streetscapes.
“Our communities are diverse, and so are the challenges we face,” said Councilmember Tanya Woo. “This pilot program is about using technology to support—not replace—the hard work of those on the front lines. It’s not just about security; it’s about building trust and ensuring that this technology is used responsibly to protect and strengthen our neighborhoods.”
Earlier this year, the City approved expanding Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to all police vehicles equipped with dashcams. This expansion will help police solve investigations, locate missing persons, and recover lost or stolen vehicles. Together with the new technologies introduced in the Crime Prevention Technology Pilot, the City is taking significant steps to enhance public safety while balancing community trust and accountability.
City officials believe that the passage of the pilot marks a significant step forward in equipping law enforcement with the technology necessary to address crime more effectively and make Seattle’s neighborhoods safer for everyone.
“This legislation will allow SPD to more efficiently combat crime in our city’s hot spots, while also ensuring that we protect the public’s privacy. While we work toward fully staffing our police force for the long term, we must also give them additional tools to fight crime now,” said Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera.
