Seattle surveillance network faces oversight concerns

Recent city reports have highlighted significant gaps in the oversight of Seattle’s expanding surveillance network. According to findings from a city auditor and two Office of the Inspector General reports, the Seattle Police Department’s access to camera footage has grown from 60 live cameras to 427, with the potential to access up to 893 privately owned cameras through official requests.

The reports identified several procedural issues, including analysts viewing live and private camera feeds without logging case numbers or providing justifications. Additionally, there are currently no written agreements governing the use of traffic camera feeds by transportation and police officials. While license plate readers were deactivated in March, data indicates that nearly 47% of police database searches in 2025 were conducted without the necessary justifications.

In response to these findings, the Seattle Department of Transportation and the Seattle Police Department are planning to implement new access rules next year.