Federal agents install video surveillance cameras in Seattle's Central District

SEATTLE -- Federal agents have installed video surveillance cameras on utility poles in Seattle's Central District, the ATF confirmed Thursday.

Brian Bennett, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, said their agents installed two cameras as part of an undisclosed criminal investigation.

The cameras were put in place about four weeks ago after a march by “Mothers for Police Accountability,” he said.

He said the cameras belong to the ATF, but that the investigation involves the Seattle Police Department, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Department of Corrections. He would not provide more detail details about the investigation.

Bennett said the video cameras are not monitored and, like those at banks, the footage is stored on a hard drive, which can be reviewed if there is an incident related to the investigation.

He said the cameras are located at the intersection of 23rd and Union and 23rd and Jackson.