Enhancing Camera Surveillance Using Computer Vision: A Research Note

• NCJ Number: 253268
• Journal: Policing-an International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 41 Issue: 2 Dated: 2018 Pages: 292-307
• Author(s): Haroon Idrees; Mubarak Shah; Ray Surette
• Date Published: 2018
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-R2-CX-K025
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description

Annotation

Since the growth of police-operated surveillance cameras has out-paced the ability of humans to monitor them effectively, computer vision is a possible solution, so this article reports on an ongoing research project that is applying computer vision within a municipal police department.

Abstract

Following the demystification of computer vision technology, its potential for police agencies is developed within a focus on computer vision as a solution for two common surveillance camera tasks (live monitoring of multiple surveillance cameras and summarizing archived video files). The study considers three unaddressed research questions: Can specialized computer vision applications for law enforcement be developed at this time? How will computer vision be utilized within existing public safety camera monitoring rooms? And what are the system-wide impacts of a computer vision capability on local criminal justice systems? Thus, This paper introduces and discusses computer vision from a law enforcement perspective and will be valuable to police personnel tasked with monitoring large camera networks and considering computer vision as a system upgrade. (publisher abstract modified)