Spokane City Council to vote on funding for new police surveillance cameras

SPOKANE, Wash. — Police are hoping to get a new tool to help keep Spokane safe.

Spokane City Council will soon vote on a proposal to fund eight new surveillance cameras around the city.

The ‘Crime Point Pole Cameras’ differ from traditional surveillance cameras because they are designed to be mobile.

“They can be moved as needed to various locations where the activity might be, and they can be integrated with our camera system if necessary, but truly they’re for criminal investigations,” said City Council President Betsy Wilkerson, who is a sponsor for the proposal.

If approved, the technology would cost the city $77,211. Out of the eight cameras, four would be easily visible, while the other four would be isolated and more concealed.

President Wilkerson said the cameras is a step toward keeping our community safer.

“This will aid us in capturing criminals,” she said.

SPD said in a briefing that while the cameras can be integrated with Spokane’s Real Time Crime Center, they are meant to be used for single-purpose situations. If purchased, SPD said they will be used immediately.

UPDATE: MARCH 24, 10 P.M. –

While it was on the agenda for Monday night’s City Council meeting, the vote to purchase the cameras did not end up happening.