Commentary: How AI Can Build Safer Cities

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology quickly revolutionizing the world, one sector at a time. Modern cities should quickly capitalize on this sophisticated technology to create safer spaces for residents and improve their quality of life. Here’s how AI is paving the way for safer cities worldwide.

Public surveillance

AI can augment existing security infrastructure to improve public safety by connecting to networks of cameras and sensors. Using machine learning and algorithms, tech teams can configure AI to detect objects, analyze video in real time and predict patterns in the interest of public safety. Law enforcement agencies can capitalize on facial recognition technology to identify suspects and expedite their arrest. High-tech surveillance cameras paired with state-of-the-art AI programs can recognize dangerous weapons in the hands of would-be criminals and direct nearby officers to the area to investigate. Lastly, AI can use sophisticated sensors to detect gunshots, increase lighting intensity in the area and alert police.

According to the World Bank, 4.4 billion people live in cities worldwide. The urban sprawl can attract criminals, creating a need for more rigorous law enforcement strategies. Local authorities can leverage AI’s powerful computing to make critical decisions based on actionable intelligence, while a smart city’s surveillance system can detect threats and ongoing crimes before anyone makes a report. 

Real-time analysis

While early detection is a valuable tool in protecting public safety, real-time analysis augments it by increasing law enforcement capabilities intensively. Facial recognition, weapon and gunshot detection, and license plate reader technology pair well with analytic tools to alert nearby officers of criminal activity.

AI can identify individuals by cross-checking their data against criminal databases. Analytical technology can also help locate missing persons, alert police to crimes, and issue advisories to citizens about public dangers in real time. Furthermore, AI analysis can detect problems and recommend possible solutions to the agencies concerned.

Aside from physical protection, AI can also help implement cybersecurity measures and protect smart cities from cyberattacks. Cyberthreats can debilitate entire regions by compromising critical infrastructure like electric grids, dams and traffic control. Furthermore, AI analysis can help detect and deter attacks responsible for company damages that reached up to $4.45 million per incident in 2023.

Environmental monitoring

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change affects 3.6 billion people living in highly susceptible areas worldwide. Smart cities can help protect residents from climate change by using AI in more ways than one. Here are some ways AI can keep people safe with environmental monitoring:

• Monitor hazardous waste
• Predict heat and tidal wave occurrences
• Detect incoming storms and typhoons
• Find changes in air, water and soil quality
• Watch public waste disposal

AI can supplement environmental management programs by reducing the time and effort needed to make informed decisions. Risk reduction command centers can issue prompt warnings and evacuation orders to prevent extensive loss of life and property damage. Researchers can also count on AI to process massive amounts of data to predict future weather events and help cities prepare for them.

Traffic control

Global crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians cause almost 3,700 deaths daily, making road safety a critical area of implementation for AI. Smart cities should invest in the massive adoption of AI systems to help improve traffic and prevent unnecessary deaths and property damage.

AI can help cities become safe havens for commuters, drivers and pedestrians with these features:

• Incident detection: Traffic control hubs get a better overview of incidents using AI warnings and dispatch teams to secure involved parties and facilitate traffic flow. AI analytics can also help officials apprehend repeat offenders and issue fines through proper channels. 
• Traffic monitoring: Traffic cameras and sensors serve as data gathering and analysis devices for artificial intelligence. AI’s capabilities can identify the busiest hours of the day and redirect traffic to less congested areas.
• Centralized traffic management: Smart cities’ traffic management command centers can utilize AI to streamline processes and introduce solutions to perennial traffic problems like congestion, inefficient systems and erring drivers.

Making cities future-ready with AI

Implementing AI solutions in the interest of public safety is a wise solution for any city in the modern age. Municipal leaders should prioritize citizens’ health and welfare by using all available technologies for a safer, better future.