Overview
- The poll, released Aug. 17–18 and conducted Aug. 10–13 by Fulcrum Strategy Group with 500 registered Seattle voters, found roughly three-quarters back expanding public-safety CCTV and widespread support for more foot and bike patrols.
- Mayor Katie Wilson has refused to activate new city cameras until two independent audits of data governance and privacy are completed this fall, a pause she first ordered in March.
- Business and civic groups including the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber and Challenge Seattle are using the survey results to press for immediate reactivation of cameras and a 100-day public-safety action plan with measurable milestones.
- Privacy and community advocates warn that live feeds and cloud-stored footage could be accessed by federal agencies and that expanded surveillance would disproportionately harm immigrant, LGBTQ+ and other vulnerable groups.
- Pressure on city hall has intensified after recent violent incidents, including the July 26 Bite of Seattle shooting and a Pioneer Square shootout that occurred where cameras were offline, and the coming audits will be the key test for whether activations move forward.