The cameras were put in place by the mayor without a council vote more than two months ago. Nickels said the cameras were an urgent crime-fighting tool for graffiti, drug deals and illicit sex that is common in some Seattle parks.

Opponents to the program said the cameras are a violation of privacy and civil rights and question how and when the video would be used by police.

"I think just the very nature of having police surveillance cameras running 24-7 is something you are going to have to grapple with. How do you control that?" said Jennifer Shaw of the ACLU. Shaw spoke to a Seattle Parks and Recreation committee on Friday.

The mayor wants to expand the program to three other public parks and is seeking the city council's approval of an $850,000 pilot program to do it.

The parks are located in the International District, Pioneer Square and near Pike Place Market where, some residents said, crime in the parks is problematic.

A committee is in the process of discussing the issue and will vote on whether to allow more cameras in public spaces.

If approved, the cameras would operate for a one-year trial period to test their effectiveness on curtailing crime.