Property: Summary
From Security Vision
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B
Since the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013, Boston has utilized facial recognition technology, but by 2020, its use by police was prohibited. The city has contracts with Briefcam, a company that confirms its technology's capability for facial recognition, though both city and police officials deny its use. Legislation bans city officials from using facial recognition technology and prohibits contracts with third parties for such surveillance. However, tips from external law enforcement agencies using facial recognition can be pursued. BriefCam, previously involved with Boston Police Department for marathon bombing investigations, offers software with facial analysis capabilities. Boston Police have stated they will not use the facial recognition feature in software updates, and it remains unclear if BriefCam's latest version is in use or if a current contract exists. +
Since at least 2019, the Beverly Hills Police Department has been using surveillance technologies, including Briefcam, as part of a broader initiative to monitor the city. Beverly Hills has installed about 2,000 CCTV cameras, equating to nearly one camera for every 17 residents, covering shopping districts and residential areas. The network also features intersection cameras, drones, and license plate recognition devices. In 2020, plans were made to add 900 more cameras and 50 license plate scanners at a cost of $14 million over five years. While state law restricts facial recognition use, BriefCam assists in analyzing video footage to identify specific vehicles, locations, and individuals. +
The Springfield Police Department reportedly utilizes BriefCam for video analysis, despite denying the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) and implementing a moratorium on its use. It's uncertain when they adopted BriefCam. Three years ago, the department inaugurated its Real-Time Analysis Center (R-TAC), integrating BriefCam VCA software. This software aids analysts in swiftly reviewing footage from traffic cameras across the city, condensing hours into minutes to identify relevant objects. Dispatchers coordinate with camera footage in response to 911 calls, enhancing situational awareness and officer safety. During critical incidents like a recent fatal shooting, R-TAC analysts provided timely and accurate information to responding officers using multiple camera perspectives. +
C
In 2017, Jamaica Public Service company began to install smart streetlights from CIMCON lighting in major parishes. By 2021, they had achieved 90 percent coverage. Smart streetlights do not always imply biometric surveillance. However here, the streetlight network is explicitly cited as acting as a platform for sensors and applications such as video analytics and traffic monitoring. Therefore it is possible that if not already in use, such applications could be added on. +