City Surveillance

Seattle Police Win Approval To Use Facial Recognition software

Posted by dtaitano 6:20 am Categories: City Surveillance, Video Analytics. Tags: , , .

Seattle Police just won approval to use facial recognition software Seattle police just won approval to use facial recognition software. But privacy advocates say that endangers the privacy of every Seattle citizen. Critics fear sophisticated software that can capture images of people on the move, then use a vast database to instantly identify them. Seattle police have a more modest plan — comparing mug shots to surveillance video, using technology paid for by the federal Department of Homeland Security.  “It could not be used to ID citizens who are not either actively involved in a criminal process or that the officer did not reasonably suspect was involved in criminal activity,” said city councilmember Sally Bagshaw. But in the face of controversies over the police access to surveillance cameras, and the special Wi-Fi network they also got a federal grant to install. So privacy advocates are skeptical.  “As we’ve learned the NSA and the FBI will gain access to any hardware that you install whether you want to or not,” said Lee Colton.  Supporters say using facial recognition software simple automates what police now do by hand. But critics say that automation is the problem. “It vastly increases the amount of pursuing individuals who may be not quite so suspicious, not quite such clear suspects who are really less valuable leads for them and yet now they have time to do that,” said David Robinson of the Seattle Privacy Coalition.  Public Safety Chair Bruce Harrell tailored the program to win […]

Big Brother, Small City: River Islands Will Feature Heavy Surveillance

Posted by dtaitano 6:06 am Categories: City Surveillance.

LATHROP (CBS13) — A new, scenic development surrounded by winding waterways is billed as a safe haven. Only four bridges lead in and out of the area with security checkpoints and a fiberoptic video surveillance program. Every license plate scanned on those roads will be cross-checked with a DMV database for stolen cars. The first homes are already going up at River Islands, and the people who move in can expect to be part of a new era in policing. Cops could also surprise suspicious individuals through remote one-way speakers—the same shown in a video of a Southern California city where cameras are set up at a park with high crime. In that video, teens scrambled after the video operator warns them the park is closed. It’s Big Brother in a small city. Jarrod Miles moved his family to Lathrop from San Jose. “My wife and I were looking for a place that was safe for our daughter, and so that’s why we chose out here,” he said. Lathrop’s city manager says he’s considering buying a high-tech city-wide surveillance system as a way to solve crime faster and also deter it. Aware there could be privacy concerns, Miles says he’s unsure how comfortable non-stop surveillance makes him. “I can see myself going either way on it,” he said. “I think it’s a good thing to debate.” Karen Nguyen moved to Lathrop from Oakland to live in a safer place. “It’s good to have surveillance, but also if it’s too […]

Increased Camera Surveillance, Bag Searches At 2014 Boston Marathon Route

Posted by dtaitano 6:00 pm Categories: City Surveillance. Tags: , , , .

FRAMINGHAM – Public safety officials announced plans for stepped up security measures at the 2014 Boston Marathon at a joint press conference with marathon organizers on Monday. There will be a significant increase in the public safety presence across the entire route this year but organizers say that they are doing everything they can to maintain the atmosphere of the race. A bulked-up public safety presence will be particularly noticeable at the start and finish lines of the race, as well as in popular spectator areas. "We are confident that the overall experience with runners and spectators will not be impacted and all will enjoy a fun, festive and family-oriented day," said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. A stepped-up video surveillance and bag inspection effort is planned for the event. Spectators are strongly discouraged from bringing over the shoulder bags or backpacks to any spot along the 26.2 mile route. Searches at screening points are likely according to officials and could lead to long delays at entry points. Spectators are advised to bring all their personal items to the racecourse in a clear plastic bag similar to one they would use for passing through airport security screening checkpoints. An enhanced video surveillance program will be in place along the racecourse. The plan includes the deployment of the portable surveillance cameras that were first used at the 2013 Independence Day celebration on the Boston Esplanade. Private businesses along the course have been contacted about possible involvement in the […]