Set to be purchased next month, the software will reportedly be used
to scan and compare surveillance video to the city’s mugshot database.
With the city facing mounting opposition for several other privacy
issues, police were quick to claim that the software would only be used
when surveillance video of a suspected crime was obtained.
“An officer has to reasonably believe that a person has been involved
in a crime or committed a crime,” Seattle Police Asst. Chief Carmen
Best said.
Despite reassurances from the city and police, surveillance-weary
residents pointed to the city’s continued abuses with surveillance
technology.