Redmond Police Body Cameras: New Poll Open Until July 11

REDMOND, WA — With discussions slated to continue this month on a plan to equip Redmond's police officers with dash and body cameras, city officials have launched a new community poll to gauge public support for the proposal.

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe and the City Council met to discuss the plan in June and have another discussion scheduled for July 13. If approved, the project would make Redmond the ninth King County law enforcement agency to equip officers with body-worn cameras, and only the fifth to deploy both body and dashboard cameras. The city estimates setting up the program would cost $815,000, with another $635,000 needed annually to maintain the service.

In May, the city announced results from its first online poll appeared to be unreliable after a suspicious spike in responses recorded over a 48-hour period. The old survey did not require participants to register or verify their information, allowing anyone from anywhere to add to the results. The new poll has a few more steps.

"In order to securely validate responses, prevent automated attacks, and compile accurate data, participants are asked to register with name, email address, and zip code before completing this one-question poll," officials wrote. "Your personal information will be completely confidential and will not be shared or used in any other capacity."

Residents who would like to weigh in have until Sunday, July 11 to vote in the new poll, which requires participants to sign in. Those who legitimately participated in the previous poll are encouraged to fill out the new one online.