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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Security cameras in Seattle cabs score first successes; digital camera images led to recent arrests
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/4/2006 11:15:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Leisy, DEA, (206) 386-1296
Regarding digital security cameras in cabs
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Security cameras in Seattle cabs score first successes
Digital camera images led to recent arrests
SEATTLE — Images from digital security cameras installed in cabs led to the arrest of man wanted in a string of April 23 vehicle thefts and home invasion robberies in two counties, as well as the arrest of a suspect in three recent armed robberies of cab drivers.
The suspect in the April 23 crimes was identified using video images from a security camera in a Seattle taxi the man used in his getaway. SeaTac police arrested the man April 27.
The armed robberies of cab drivers took place in Seattle April 1, April 7 and April 8. Images from the security cameras in the cabs led to the man’s arrest April 9 by Seattle police.
Security cameras became mandatory in all city taxis on March 1, 2006. Access to a recording made by the digital security cameras in taxis is restricted to law enforcement personnel solely for the investigation and prosecution of crimes; search warrants are obtained if needed.
"Driving a cab is dangerous work," said Ken Nakatsu, director of the department of executive administration, which regulates the city’s taxis. "These cameras are part of our initiative to improve public and driver safety. These recent arrests shows the cameras work."
Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske added, "Security cameras provide our detectives with a means of solving crimes. These cab-cams also serve as a deterrent to those that might engage in criminal behavior."
Taxis are also equipped with GPS trackers and monitored silent alarm systems. This safety equipment was recommended by the Taxicab Advisory Group Committee on Driver Safety. The recommendations were adopted by the mayor and the City Council in 2005.
Seattle established the driver safety committee in February 2004 immediately following the robbery homicide of a Yellow Cab driver, Hassan Farah. The committee conducted a comprehensive study of the taxicab driver personal safety issues and made specific recommendations designed to reduce taxicab crimes and driver injuries.
Committee members were drawn from within and outside the taxicab industry and included representatives from the taxicab drivers, taxicab owners and taxicab associations, as well as the Port of Seattle, Seattle Police Department, Hopelink (DSHS Medicaid transportation broker for King County), and the hospitality industry.
There are 643 taxicabs and approximately 1,500 taxicab drivers in Seattle. Drivers are dispatched via six taxicab associations: Farwest Taxi, North End Taxi, Northwest Taxi, Orange Cab, Redtop Taxi and Yellow Cab. Seattle police estimate there are approximately 60 robberies or assaults on cab drivers in Seattle each year.
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Seattle Police Department
Department of Executive Administration
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