Latest news with #ShonBarnes
Geek Wire
5 days ago
- Politics
- Geek Wire
‘It's a game-changer': Seattle touts high-tech Real Time Crime Center amid privacy concerns
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes speaks at a media event Tuesday for the city's new Real Time Crime Center. Back row, from left: Mayor Bruce Harrell (white shirt); Councilmember Bob Kettle, Councilmember Sara Nelson, and Councilmember Maritza Rivera. (GeekWire Photos / Taylor Soper) The Seattle Police Department has formally launched a new high-tech operations center designed to help officers fight crime in real time — and is already seeing results, according to city officials. Mayor Bruce Harrell, SPD Chief Shon Barnes, and city councilmembers hosted a media event Tuesday touting the new Real Time Crime Center, located inside the police headquarters in downtown Seattle. The center pulls live footage and data from surveillance cameras and other sources into a centralized command room staffed by analysts nearly 20 hours a day. It supports ongoing investigations by pushing video and incident data directly to patrol units and detectives. Analysts can provide live updates and still images of suspects, a capability SPD says helps support its 'precision policing' model. In just under two months, the system has been used in 600 incidents and is actively aiding 90 investigations, according to city officials. Harrell called the system a 'game changer.' 'This is not a panacea, but it does mean we are fulfilling our promise to use every tool available to improve public safety,' he said. Not everyone is on board with the new effort, which takes advantage of new police-owned CCTV cameras in the downtown core, along Aurora Ave., and in the Chinatown-International District. ACLU of Washington last year cited 'evidence that these technologies do not reduce violent crime and disproportionately harm communities of color.' 'SPD's use of RTCC software would make it possible for ICE and out-of-state agencies to access data to arrest immigrants and prosecute people coming to Seattle for reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare while bypassing state protections,' ACLU said in a statement in September. Captain James Britt said data requests from outside agencies — including federal law enforcement — are screened and must comply with state and local laws. 'We control where all of our data goes,' he said. Captain James Britt shows live camera feeds as part of SPD's new Real Time Crime Center. The center, part of a broader crime prevention technology pilot launched under Harrell, uses software called Fusus built by Axon, the police body cam and taser giant that has an engineering office in Seattle. Axon last year acquired Fusus, a leader in real-time crime center technology. Britt said the software does not use facial recognition, gait analysis, or other biometric tools — but it can search video using keywords like 'red shirt' or 'black Toyota,' and it flags potential matches for human review. The city says it completed required Surveillance Impact Reports and has launched a third-party academic evaluation led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. In a follow-up interview with GeekWire, Britt emphasized that the system is not about replacing people — but rather enhancing staff capabilities. SPD has been increasing staffing after losing officers in recent years. 'All this technology has an incredible capability to change the way we do policing — to make us better, faster, and more precise at what we do,' Britt said. 'That's really what those of us in the uniform really want. 'We want to be able to do our jobs better — not more aggressively, not more broadly. We want to do what we do, but we want to do it better, and this helps us do that.' The center actually launched a decade ago but the initial version wasn't as integrated into real-time policing. A new legislative proposal would expand CCTV surveillance to Capitol Hill's nightlife area, SODO near the stadiums, and neighborhoods around Garfield and Nova High Schools. Harrell has supported a controversial gunshot detection technology system but said last year that the city would not allocate money to the initiative.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Seattle's police chief says he expects to be arrested for supporting protests
Seattle's newly appointed Police Chief, Shon Barnes, says he will do whatever it takes to protect the First Amendment rights of residents. The comments were made during a Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee meeting this week. He also spoke about how the department will handle protests in response to immigration enforcement by the federal government. 'At some point, I will probably go to jail and be in prison because we have an administration that has threatened to jail politicians,' Barnes said. The comments were made the same day that protesters gathered outside the city's federal building and clashed with officers. The safety committee meeting appearance was part of Barnes' confirmation as police chief. He was appointed to the position in December by Mayor Bruce Harrell and was sworn in in January. He came from Wisconsin, where he served as Chief of Police for over 4 years.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Seattle police investigate officer-involved shooting in Belltown
The Brief Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. Authorities say it happened before 1 p.m. near 3rd Ave. and Battery St. SEATTLE - Police are investigating a shooting involving an officer in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. What they're saying According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the incident happened at 3rd Avenue and Battery Street at around 12:20 p.m. In a press conference, SPD Chief Shon Barnes said that two officers on the department's bike team were conducting active patrols in the Belltown neighborhood. During the patrol, officers observed a person selling narcotics on the street. Based on their observations, they developed probable cause to arrest him. When officers approached, the man ran away toward 3rd Avenue. The pursuit continued along 3rd Avenue, and the suspect pointed a handgun at officers. The officers took cover and continued their pursuit. The suspect then pointed his gun a second time, and one of the officers fired multiple shots. The suspect dropped his weapon, surrendered to police and was taken into custody without further incident. According to Chief Barnes, no one was injured in the shooting. As standard protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. At the time, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) issued an alert stating that both northbound and southbound lanes of 3rd Avenue between Cedar Street and Bell Street were blocked due to police activity. Traffic officials urged the public to use alternate routes. This is a developing story. More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available. The Source Information in this story comes from the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Department of Transportation. A religious group held a protest outside Seattle City Hall. Here's why LIVE: Updates on Seattle's Tuesday protest, arrests, more Crews battle Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth, WA 2 injured in separate Seattle shootings Teen, child killed in Lacey, WA mobile home fire Crews investigate explosion at Woodinville, WA hardware store College Inn Pub announces closure after 50 years in Seattle Dave's Hot Chicken to open 4 new locations in Seattle area. Here's where To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Seattle police looking for black Tesla after 3 killed in Pioneer Square shooting
The Brief Seattle police are seeking a black Tesla for possible video evidence in Saturday's Pioneer Square shooting that killed three people. No arrests have been made yet, and the Tesla driver is not considered a suspect. Seattle Police plan to increase patrols in Pioneer Square to address recent violence. SEATTLE - Three people died and another is fighting for their life in the hospital after a shooting in Pioneer Square over the weekend. Now, Seattle police are looking for the driver of a black Tesla, who they hope can help give them answers as to who is behind the shooting. As of Monday afternoon, there were no arrests in the case, according to the police. What they're saying Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes held a news conference addressing the media. Officers are now looking for a black Tesla, possibly a Model Y that was seen leaving the area of South Washington Street in Pioneer Square at 1:18 a.m. on Saturday. "The person driving or owners are not considered a suspect, we would like to review any video evidence that was captured on this Tesla," Chief Barnes said. He adds, they believe the driver may be a ride share driver or someone who was in the area picking up another person. "To the families of these victims, please know that I have directed every resource in this case to bring the person or persons to justice," Barnes said. Saturday's mass shooting comes after several recent acts of violence in the area. On Sunday night, police arrested a man after they say he stabbed another man and knocked a person unconscious in Occidental Square. Earlier this month, another shooting happened outside of a nightclub, as well as a different stabbing. "Let me be clear, Seattle is a safe and welcoming city and we do not and will not tolerate violence in our city," Barnes said. He also announced on Monday that as we approach the busy summer months, more officers will be out in Pioneer Square. FOX 13 asked just how many more officers, since SPD already had increased patrols in the area. No exact number was given, but Chief Barnes explained that the department has directive patrols, which are officers currently on duty. He has also authorized overtime for officers to join violent crime reduction teams. "If you want the numbers, that's three teams of one sergeant and four officers for five and there's three teams over the course of the city," Barnes said. He said these were already in place before Saturday. The goal now is to bring whoever is behind Saturday's shooting to justice. "We owe that to the people who lost their lives this week and we owe that to our survivor," Barnes said. He also acknowledged there's more work to be done to return the city to one where everyone feels safe. What you can do Anyone with information is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department's Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. The Source Information in this story came from a news conference held by the Seattle Police Department, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Palm Springs bombing suspect cited Fox Island, WA killing in manifesto, FBI says 2 Alaska Airlines planes clip wings at Sea-Tac Airport Burien police: Gang member detained with ghost gun New safety regulations for late-night lounges in Seattle go into effect Olympic National Park among most in-demand National Parks this summer Motorcycle theft suspect shot, killed by police in Whatcom County, WA Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police search for black Tesla that may have video of Pioneer Square mass shooting; victim remembered
Seattle Police are searching for the driver of a Black Tesla, possibly a Model Y, that was driving in Pioneer Square early Saturday morning. They believe the car may have recorded video footage of the incident that could help police identify a possible suspect. 'We know that these vehicles are equipped with video evidence and that they write over very quickly,' said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. 'So it's important to get that information out now.' The shooting left three people dead and one person fighting for their life Saturday. It happened just after 1 a.m. near South Washington Street and 2nd Avenue South. No arrests have been made. Police have not officially identified the victims, but a group of relatives visiting the scene Monday identified their loved one, 19-year-old Keilani Harris, as one of those killed. 'I just want my baby here,' said her mother, Christina Rivas. 'Being here, seeing where she laid. I have no words to describe what I'm feeling inside.' Harris's family will remember her uncontrollable laughter, her energy for life, and her never-ending support. 'I was able to tell her anything at any time,' her brother told KIRO 7. 'I will miss her really much,' added her little sister. Her family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. Rivas is begging anyone with information to come forward. She said she has been frustrated with the lack of communication she's received about information coming out. 'I'm begging you to, please, anybody,' she said. 'No matter the smallest detail that you have that could lead to an arrest. Please.' Police are asking anyone with information to call the department's Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000 or Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can be given anonymously.
