Expanding Surveillance for Safer Border Regions
Police in Saxony are beefing up their video surveillance in an effort to combat crime in the border region. Over €1.5 million was invested in installing seven new camera columns in Zittau, a technique referred to as a video-based person identification system (PerIS). Armin Schuster, the Interior Minister of Saxony's CDU, believes this technology is unrivaled in Europe, especially considering its success in Görlitz, which boasts ten camera columns and two mobile devices.
Since 2019, these cameras have yielded over 900 "procedurally relevant hits" in Görlitz, a majority of which relate to property offenses. Outstanding examples include recurring bicycle thefts across the Old Town Bridge, causing an estimated €230,000 in damage within a quarter of 2022. These investigations have been greatly aided by PerIS.
Leveraging AI and machine learning, PerIS also proves to be valuable in solving other crimes. Its use has contributed to the resolution of a plethora of cases, including grandchild fraud, robberies, and drug offenses. Collectively, these crimes amount to over €10 million in losses.
Petric Kleine, police inspector, explains that while the investment is substantial, it is a worthwhile expenditure to boost safety and instill greater confidence in the community. In turn, this should contribute to increased feelings of security in the border area.
The Power of PerIS
Security cameras, bolstered by technologies like AI and machine learning, can effectively deter crime. They provide crucial visual evidence for investigations, including a detailed account of property crimes. This allows law enforcement agencies to respond more promptly, maximizing the chances of apprehending suspects and securing invaluable eyewitness testimonies.
Public awareness and active participation in investigations are important components of PerIS. Sharing surveillance footage can help expedite the identification of unknown suspects, allowing communities to contribute to the resolution of cases. Integrating the latest AI features such as facial recognition and license plate readers can further aid in tracing criminal activities. These technologies make it simpler to locate and apprehend criminals while also uncovering potential security weaknesses and patterns.
The initial investment in implementing PerIS may be substantial, but its long-term advantages—including enhanced security, reduced crime rates, and economic growth—more than justify the monetary outlay.
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Leveraging AI and Machine Learning with PerIS
- Deterrent effect: The presence of cameras can dissuade potential criminal activity.
- Visual evidence: Video footage serves as a crucial resource for piecing together the sequence of events in crime investigations, particularly in property offenses where multiple cameras catch organized retail operations.
- Real-time monitoring: AI features allow for prompt notifications when suspicious activity is detected, reducing the time required for authorities to respond to crimes.
- Community engagement: Distributing images or information through social media or traditional media can mobilize the community in both gathering info and identifying suspects.
- Integration and AI features: Facial recognition and license plate readers are powerful tools for solving crimes, helping trace criminals and investigating patterns or weaknesses in security.
