Key Takeaways
- The East Lansdowne Police Department in Delaware County is installing 41 AI public safety cameras to monitor roadways and sidewalks.
- The cameras use artificial intelligence to track people and vehicles in real-time, improving police response times and helping to identify key pieces of evidence.
- The technology does not record inside private residences or businesses and does not biometrically scan faces or read license plate numbers.
- The cameras will be used to track criminals, keep residents and visitors safe, and improve the overall safety of the community.
- The police department understands concerns about privacy, but assures that the cameras are designed to respect individual privacy while keeping the community safe.
Introduction to AI-Powered Police Cameras
The use of police cameras is not a new concept, but a small borough in Delaware County is taking it to the next level by installing AI-powered cameras that can track people and vehicles in real-time. The East Lansdowne Police Department has already installed over half of the 41 planned cameras, which will monitor roadways and sidewalks throughout the borough. According to Chief James Cadden, "What it does and all that it does is allow for a powerful, quick review of people, vehicles and things that are moving within that time frame." This technology is designed to help officers track criminals and keep residents and visitors safe.
How the AI Cameras Work
The AI cameras are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to track people and vehicles without recording inside private residences or businesses. As Chief Cadden explained, "In this case, it covered a person’s window," while showing an example of windows being covered. The cameras are designed to respect individual privacy while keeping the community safe. The technology also improves police response times by giving the department the ability to see what’s happening at a scene before officers arrive. As Cadden noted, "It does not biometrically scan your face. It does not read your license plate number." This means that the cameras are not collecting personal information about individuals, but rather tracking movements and activities in public spaces.
Improving Police Response Times
The AI cameras are not only tracking people and vehicles, but also improving police response times. With the ability to see what’s happening at a scene before officers arrive, the department can respond more quickly and effectively to incidents. As Cadden explained, "And, if an incident is reported, the technology cuts down on the time it takes to review footage and identify key pieces of evidence." Officers can even use key words to narrow their search results, making it easier to find specific information. As Cadden said, "And it sees what they were doing immediately without having to go through the scrolling back and back, and, ‘Oh, I went too far,’ ‘Let me go back and who is this person and what are they doing?’" This technology is designed to make the police department more efficient and effective in their response to incidents.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
While the use of AI-powered cameras may raise concerns about privacy, Chief Cadden assures that the department is committed to respecting individual privacy. As he noted, "It does not biometrically scan your face. It does not read your license plate number." The cameras are designed to track movements and activities in public spaces, not to collect personal information about individuals. Cadden understands that some people may still have concerns about being on camera, but he believes that the benefits of the technology outweigh the risks. As he said, "I understand people who have concerns about constantly being on camera, but assured them that the cameras do not take in all of a person’s information."
The Future of Public Safety
Once all 41 cameras are installed, it will be hard-pressed for anyone not to be seen entering or leaving East Lansdowne. As Chief Cadden noted, the cameras will be used to track criminals, keep residents and visitors safe, and improve the overall safety of the community. The use of AI-powered cameras is a significant step forward in public safety, and the East Lansdowne Police Department is at the forefront of this technology. As Cadden said, "What it does and all that it does is allow for a powerful, quick review of people, vehicles and things that are moving within that time frame." This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way police departments approach public safety, and the East Lansdowne Police Department is leading the way.
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/east-lansdowne-police-ai-cameras/4332621/