[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]

It is so annoying that people are up in arms about cameras when they are in a public place they DO NOT have a right to privacy…if you are illegal, stay hidden. If you are doing illegal things, stop and there will not be an issue.

I for one (and there are plenty more but they are just not as vocal) am sick of elected officials protecting criminals over the rights of law abiding citizens.

Please stop with the pearl clutching and wringing of hands because someone breaking the law gets caught. It’s nauseating. 

Here are the RCW’s that have to be followed for any camera usage (with plenty of protection for citizens). It is really quite easy to look up laws, perhaps our council should try it instead of wasting time with this nonsense. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Key RCW Provisions for Police Cameras:

  • Body Worn Cameras (RCW 10.109 & 9.73.090): Officers must inform individuals they are being recorded, though not required in exigent circumstances. Generally, conversations with police in public are not considered private, so officers are not required to turn off cameras at a citizen’s request.
  • Dashcams (RCW 9.73.090): Police may record audio/video in the performance of official duties. Recordings from vehicles are typically public records, but disclosure may be limited if they are part of active litigation.
  • Facial Recognition (RCW 43.386.080): State/local agencies cannot use facial recognition for ongoing surveillance or real-time tracking without a warrant or in exigent circumstances.
  • Traffic Cameras (RCW 46.63.220): Automated traffic safety cameras (e.g., red-light cameras) can only be used for that specific purpose and data cannot be kept longer than necessary.
  • Privacy Act/General Surveillance (RCW 9.73): Police surveillance in public spaces is generally permissible, but in areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy, a warrant or consent is required. 

– Carrianne Litowitz

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