City of Melbourne eyes use of AI, facial recognition for CCTV cameras
Lord Mayor Nick Reece wants Melbourne City Council to investigate using facial and gait recognition on its CCTV network amid a spike in crime in the city.
Victoria
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Facial and gait recognition with the support of artificial intelligence could be used on Melbourne’s city centre CCTV network to identify troublemakers.
The council’s management will review the current CCTV network’s policies to allow for new “video analytics” technology to be used to better monitor and track individuals known to authorities.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Lord Mayor Nick Reece refused to specify what technology would be considered but the Herald Sun understands it includes facial and gait recognition along with AI to scan footage for specific behaviours or identifying items.
Mr Reece said the council should embrace “cutting-edge technology” to improve safety.
“I am interested in how new technology can be better used to track offenders across the city,” he said.
“Our CCTV cameras and operators are guardian angels in the sky for Melburnians. The program saves lives and keeps Melburnians safe.”
The proposal also includes expanding the remit of CCTV operations to include “acts of public nuisance”, damage to property and waste dumping.
The current focus of the CCTV network is on detecting crime and collecting evidence and emergency responses.
Facial recognition technology is used by the MCG and patrons are required to consent to the collection of “biometric information” as a condition of entry.
Gait recognition technology uses AI to analyse vision of how people walk and identify individuals on any unique patterns they display.
Olivia Ball, the only councillor to vote against the motion, said it was unreasonable for the council to take on the cost fighting crime.
“Given the state of our current finances, that would be unwise and reckless,” she said.
Logan City Council, in southeast Queensland, uses AI to analyse its network of about 1400 CCTV cameras to to search for images and vision of number plates or people wearing specific clothing or accessories such as backpacks.
The council will produce a report on the best technologies to make the CCTV network more effective by July.
The review would also ensure any changes to the CCTV network are compatible with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act.
Mr Reece pledged at last year’s council election to increase the number of CCTV cameras in the city by 200.
Originally published as City of Melbourne eyes use of AI, facial recognition for CCTV cameras
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