This website has been void of content for far too long, so I thought I would start posting updates on some of the projects I’m involved in. Hopefully you are all aware of the new cameras the Seattle Police Department is installing all around the city. If not, take a look at the West Seattle Blog story on the issue. The Seattle Police Department claims they only plan to install a few dozen cameras, however I don’t believe that is true. Based on several related actions, the department likely has plans to install hundreds of cameras around the city.
A few weeks ago I made a public records request for details on not the camera, but the mesh network. Based on the manufacturer marketing documentation on the hardware, it’s primary use is for a network of cameras. In fact, I would suggest that the police department plans on installing a camera with every single node in their mesh network. Within the next few days (they promised a response “on or about March 16, 2013”), I should be receiving documentation, including a full map of the network.
I already know this network covers every street corner from the waterfront to Third Ave in downtown Seattle. I suspect the network is far more expansive than anything the department has admitted to having built so far.
Here is my request:
From: Andrew Pilloud
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2013 8:25 PM
To: SPD-PDR, SPD
Subject: Public Records Request: Wireless Mesh Network
Pursuant to RCW Ch. 42.56 (Public Records Act), I hereby request the following records:
The maps, purchase orders, maintenance contracts, technical specifications, usage policies, access procedures, data retention policies, installation instructions, device configurations, interconnect details, and other public records requests for the wireless mesh network installed in the second half of 2012.
I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Please make any redaction in a contrasting color (black redactions on white documents).
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Andrew Pilloud