Melbourne is set to enhance its security measures with the introduction of crime-fighting Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
Under the leadership of Lord Mayor Nick Reece, the city will see an increase in both the number and capability of its CCTV cameras.
“In the past year alone, these cameras have been instrumental in over 2,500 police investigations,” stated Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.
During his campaign for the Lord Mayor position, Reece committed to doubling the existing 328 CCTV cameras across the City of Melbourne.
“We’re targeting areas that lack coverage and those known for high crime rates,” he assured.
Funding has already been secured for an additional 100 cameras, following last year’s expansion to Lygon Street. The Lord Mayor also aims to extend surveillance to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and incorporate camera access from the city’s new Metro Tunnel.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said: “We know a police presence will drive down crime.
“I’m not aware that those conversations have commenced, but those conversations need to happen.”
The system already alerts Victoria Police to 300 incidents a month and was used to track an alleged gunman to Bourke Street without the need to activate the city’s emergency speaker system.
“The city siren system was set up for terror incidents where you need to bring the whole city to a stand still,” Reece said.
The more than 300 cameras in the city right now are monitored 24/7 but everything’s manual and watched by operators.
Starting next year, the City of Melbourne will turn to AI to help.
Face matching technology is already used in cities like New York and at major events like the Australian Open.
The AI is not designed to track everyone but it can alert police to the presence of known criminals.
“As Lord Mayor I’m really leaning in, this my most pressing priority for Melbourne and we are going to be relentless in making the city safe,” Reece said.
For now, there are limits on what the City of Melbourne’s cameras are allowed to be used for.
But before AI gets involved those rules will be loosened to include incidents of property damage, vandalism and illegal dumping.
“Melbourne is a safe city – we shouldn’t lose sight of that – but we can do better,” Reece said.
