Smart cameras to make Sharjah safer

Sharjah - The police department visited a number of countries known for its leadership in smart cameras, to learn from their experiences.

The Sharjah Police have recently installed 10,486 cameras against Dh40 million as part of the Sharjah Safe City project.
Col Khalid Ahmed Bu Hindi, director of the Sharjah Safe City project, said the execution of the project is continuing in phases, based on the urban development and demographical expansion of the emirate. "The project depends on smart technology as all cameras installed are designed to monitor, learn, analyse and avert danger. Smart technology is the core of the project and that keeps pace with the aspirations of the country," he said.
Col Bu Hindi said the project began its initiation in 2014 and the study lasted for one and half years. "The police department visited a number of countries known for its leadership in smart cameras, to learn from their experiences."
He explained the cameras used in the project are of six types with varied functions. "Some fixed cameras give a detailed picture and obtain data to benefit the security or traffic departments to detect information or crime while some others give an overview of the traffic movement and crowd on the streets. There are cameras which provide detailed and accurate information on every movement on the street. Some mobile cameras can collect the information of the vehicle's plate while some other mobile cameras can detect the density of cars on the street and provide suggestions to develop and improve the infrastructure of the emirate. The mobile cameras are installed in bicycles and vehicles, so they can be moved easily." 
The project covers government facilities, factories, hotels, oil companies, financial institutions such as banks, money transfer companies, jewellery shops, shopping and entertainment centres, public and private hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, large commercial companies and clubs, residential and commercial buildings and mosques. 
The impact of the project not only depend on installing cameras but also on its advanced and smart systems, according to Col Bu Hindi. "Cameras are linked to an analytical system where the police can filter as per many criteria and check for results. The cameras also give warning signals when they detect suspicious movements. The artificial intelligence function analyses information and gives results. Recently, a camera gave us information on a suspect in red shirt who had committed murder and drove a black sedan. The police were immediately able to arrest him," he said. 
Col Bu Hindi said the system helps save time and effort while investigating crimes which require quick response and action. "It also contributed to enhancing performance and quick response to emergency and prevention of crimes." 
Lt-Col Nasser bin Assfan, director of communication and electronic services at the Sharjah Police, said the Sharjah Safe City project will cover the emirate in its entirety. "It will detect crimes and ensure prevention, as it alerts the police before any danger happens and it also helps in improving the roads. Based on the information analysed by the cameras, traffic movement and congestion can be improved on roads of the emirate."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
 

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