Situational awareness cameras proposed
MEDICAL LAKE – The city council addressed public safety concerns at the recent July 16 meeting by considering the implementation of surveillance cameras throughout the city.
Councilman Lance Spiers initiated the discussion, proposing the use of cameras to improve service, protect infrastructure, and enhance security.
“We need to explore how cameras can help prevent vandalism, harassment, and assault on city-owned property,” said city administrator, Sonny Weathers, who presented the council with various options for camera use.
Weathers emphasized the importance of providing PUBLIC NOTICE and signage to inform residents about the presence of cameras.
One option discussed was the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). These fixed, roadside cameras capture still images of vehicles and their license plates, which are then checked against hot-lists to provide alerts to law enforcement.
“Spokane County has over 40 ALPRs, Airway Heights has 12, and Liberty Lake has 19,” Weathers explained. “Spokane and Cheney are also bringing cameras online soon.”
Weathers also proposed the use of overt, fixed situational awareness video surveillance cameras. These closed-circuit cameras can capture live and recorded video of specific areas like buildings, parks, and intersections.
Alerts can be set up during certain hours and in focused areas, and law enforcement can access the footage for monitoring and investigation purposes.
“Pan tilt zoom cameras are particularly valuable,” Weathers noted. “They can autonomously react to gunshots, screaming, or car accidents, providing crucial evidence in investigations.”
The council also discussed integrating third-party video surveillance, where private businesses can share live video feeds from their in-house security camera systems with the county sheriff’s office. This program would expand the network of monitored areas.
While red light and speed limit cameras were mentioned, Weathers noted that their use is restricted by the Revised Code of Washington. “Legislation has started to evolve, but it doesn’t seem like an open-door option,” he said.
Weathers highlighted various applications for these cameras, including monitoring the maintenance shop, wastewater treatment plant, and reservoir. “The Spokane Sentinel Program can serve as a model,” he said. “Cameras could be a wonderful tool to amplify the efforts of our law enforcement team.”
“For myself, I’d like to see staff explore the cost, a diagram of where they would go, and how they align with our budget priorities,” said Mayor Terri Cooper.
Spiers added that having cameras in parks, trails, and other areas frequented by vulnerable populations could be particularly beneficial. “It’s great to have a set of eyes on places like the maintenance building,” he said.
Weathers mentioned that flock safety cameras, which cost around $3,000 each, tend to be more expensive. However, situational awareness cameras with plugins could offer a more affordable option.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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