Following a directive from Mayor Katie Wilson, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will not tap into closed-caption television (CCTV) cameras to monitor the hundreds of thousands of soccer fans expected to travel to the city during this summer’s World Cup, unless an incident is deemed a credible threat.
“But for an event that big, why not use every available tool that you have?” KIRO host Ursula Reutin asked SPD Chief Shon Barnes Tuesday morning.
“We’re operating off the mayor’s directive that we can proceed with the camera installation in the Pioneer Square stadium area. However, we’re not allowed to turn those cameras on unless there is a credible threat,” Barnes answered. “Obviously, we’re monitoring all of our channels. I’m speaking with the FBI almost weekly, looking at what threats we may have to the games. At the time that I think I need to make a case to the mayor on credible threats, I feel comfortable in doing so.”…