Public Safety Information

Due to the individualized and serious nature of emergency response efforts, a variety of personal information may be collected by first responders and other personnel, as needed. Federal, state and municipal laws around this data collection, use and disclosure practices may fall outside of the scope of this Privacy Statement.

Examples of Public Safety Information

  • Violations
  • Court records
  • Emergency calls
  • Video and audio footage (streaming or recorded) from police-worn body cameras and police in-car video systems
  • Automated enforcement system (red light) camera images

Using Public Safety Information

Public safety information may be used for a variety of reasons, some of which include:

  • Dispatching first responders in emergency response situations
  • Accountability, oversight, and audit
  • Traffic violation enforcement
  • Criminal investigations
  • Criminal prosecutions

Emergency call centers may also follow different protocols while responding to emergency calls. Whenever possible, our emergency responders will attempt to honor the Privacy Principles and this Privacy Statement when collecting, using, storing, or sharing personal information.

Protections for Public Safety Information

Special regulatory requirements for some public safety information is addressed in Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy. Additionally, the following laws govern the use of several public safety technologies as defined below.

Technology Governance
In Car Video System         Seattle Police Department (SPD) Manual Chapter 16.090
Body-Worn Video SPD Manual Chapter 16.091
Automatic License Plate Readers SPD Manual Chapter 16.170
Collection of Information for Law Enforcement Purposes Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 14.12
Holding Cell Camera System SPD Manual Chapter 10.060
Acquisition and Use of Surveillance Equipment SMC Chapter 14.18
Automated Traffic Safety Cameras SMC 11.50.570

Information Technology

Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2700, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94709, Seattle, WA, 98124-4709
Phone: (206) 684-0600
Phone Alt: Cable TV & Internet Discount Information: (206) 684-8498
SeattleIT@seattle.gov

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