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Second Public Comment Period Opening for Technologies Subject to the City’s Surveillance Ordinance

The City of Seattle has published the second set of draft of Surveillance Impact Reports (SIRs) for eight of the 29 currently existing surveillance technologies, per the Surveillance Ordinance. The first group of SIRs were submitted for public review October 8 – November 5, 2018.  

We’re looking for the public’s input on the SIRs to help the provide Council with insight into community perspective and ensure City policies responsibly govern the use of these technologies. 

The public comment period opens today, Tuesday, February 5, and runs through Tuesday, March 26. The complete list of technologies in this first group for review, can be found below. We have three ways to allow residents to provide input and share their concerns. 

  1. Residents can submit their surveillance comments online at: City of Seattle Privacy website. 
  2. Seattle residents can also mail comments to Attn: Surveillance & Privacy Program, Seattle IT, PO Box 94709, Seattle, WA 98124 
  3. City Surveillance Technology Public Meeting: The City will hold an open house technology fair at the Bertha Knight Landes Room at City Hall to allow attendees ask questions from department technology experts and hear from City leadership. Attendees may also provide written comment at the meetings, without staying the entire time.  

More information on these eight technologies, as well as the City of Seattle’s Privacy program, can be found online at the City’s Surveillance Technology website. 

This public input period is a valuable part of our process. The City of Seattle is committed to be transparent and accountable. Hearing from residents is part of the process. We welcome your thoughts and comments. We look forward to hearing what you have to say. 

Public Meetings 

Meeting  Date and Time  Location 
City Surveillance Technology Public Meeting Wednesday February 27, 2019 6:00pm-8:00pm  Bertha Knight Landes Room, City Hall ; 600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 

 

Seattle Department of Transportation’s Acyclica

Seattle Transportation Department’s Acyclica technology is under review for public comment as a retroactive surveillance technology February 5 – March 5, 2019, prior to review by City Council. This technology supports the City’s traffic management and planning efforts, allowing City planners to analyze anonymized data to improve traffic flow. Please visit Seattle.gov/Privacy for more information and to leave a comment. Visit the City of Seattle Privacy website for more information and then fill out the online survey to comment. 

 

Seattle City Light Metering Tools 

Seattle City Light’s metering technology is under review for public comment as a retroactive surveillance technology February 5 – March 5, 2019, prior to review by City Council. This technology supports the City’s efforts to access meters suspected of diverting energy. There are three technologies: Binoculars, Sensorlink AmpFork, and Check Meter Devices. Visit the City of Seattle Privacy website for more information and then fill out the online survey to comment. 

 

Seattle Fire Departments Computer Aided Dispatch 

Seattle Fire Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch technology is under review for public comment as a retroactive surveillance technology February 5 – March 5, 2019, prior to review by City Council. This technology supports the Fire Department to fulfill their mission by responding to emergency situations quickly. Visit the City of Seattle Privacy website for more information and then fill out the online survey to comment. 

 

Seattle Police Department’s 911 Logging Recorder 

Seattle Police Department’s 911 Logging Recorder technology is under review for public comment as a retroactive surveillance technology February 5 – March 5, 2019, prior to review by City Council. This technology supports the Police department’s effort to fulfill the mission by recording 9-11 calls for investigation and training. Visit the City of Seattle Privacy website for more information and then fill out the online survey to comment. 

 

Seattle Police Department’s CopLogic  

Seattle Police Department’s CopLogic technology is under review for public comment as a retroactive surveillance technology February 5 – March 5, 2019, prior to review by City Council. This technology supports the Police department’s effort to fulfill the mission by allowing members of the public to report specific types of crimes online, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public safety services. Visit the City of Seattle Privacy website for more information and then fill out the online survey to comment. 

 

Seattle Police Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch  

Seattle Police Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch technology is under review for public comment as a retroactive surveillance technology February 5 – March 5, 2019, prior to review by City Council. This technology supports the Police Department to fulfill their mission by responding to emergency situations quickly. Visit the City of Seattle Privacy website for more information and then fill out the online survey to comment.