To read this content please select one of the options below:

Enhancing camera surveillance using computer vision: a research note

Haroon Idrees (Center for Research in Computer Vision, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA)
Mubarak Shah (Center for Research in Computer Vision, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA)
Ray Surette (Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA)

Policing: An International Journal

ISSN: 1363-951X

Article publication date: 9 April 2018

1189

Abstract

Purpose

The growth of police operated surveillance cameras has out-paced the ability of humans to monitor them effectively. Computer vision is a possible solution. An ongoing research project on the application of computer vision within a municipal police department is described. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

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). 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) are considered.

Findings

Despite computer vision becoming accessible to law enforcement agencies the impact of computer vision has not been discussed or adequately researched. There is little knowledge of computer vision or its potential in the field.

Originality/value

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.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funded by US Department of Justice National Institute of Justice, NIJ-2015-R2-CX-K025.

Citation

Idrees, H., Shah, M. and Surette, R. (2018), "Enhancing camera surveillance using computer vision: a research note", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 41 No. 2, pp. 292-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-11-2016-0158

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles