How Do Security Cameras Recognize Criminals?

One of the latest security technologies being developed is facial recognition software. Initial research in the field was started in the 1960’s; however it has not been in widespread use until recently. Faster computer processing speeds, Wi-Fi networks, wireless security cameras, better bandwidth, and greater storage capacity are major contributors to its realization. Today massive amounts of data can be stored in linked databases, and quickly searched with ever improving algorithms. Cameras take super sharp images focusing and zooming in on targets hundreds of feet away. All these systems joined anywhere anytime with Wi-Fi and broadband networks give law enforcement an incredible crime fighting advantage.

How does this technology work? Security cameras first observe a scene determine the presence and locations of faces. Programs analyze pixels looking for two eyes a nose and a mouth. Individual faces can then be isolated from the background and the program determines the orientation of the face. The system works best when the target is directly in front of observing cameras, but most systems can acquire a match at angles up to 35 degrees; beyond that facial features are difficult to analyze. Unique facial characteristics are compared such as the peaks and valleys, distance between the eyes, nose shape, cheekbones, and jaw line and checked against known terrorists and criminals already on file.

No system is without flaws. Facial expressions will reduce the chances of acquiring a match. Other methods being incorporated, such as 3D modeling and texture analysis would greatly increase accuracy. With 3D modeling the program would create a virtual relief of the person. Looking at three dimensional contours of the face a match can be made even at a 90 degree angle. Texture analysis takes a close look at features of the skin, such as pores, lines, and textures. This technology is so good it can even sort out identical twins.

Police departments are relying on biometric technologies such as these more now than ever. Hidden cameras are far superior to human observers. People make mistakes, get bored, and are prone to distraction. These cameras networks can analyze 1000’s of passerby’s everyday and compare them to a much larger database of suspected terrorist and criminals than humanly possible. The fact that most systems utilize wireless security cameras makes them highly adaptable and scalable. Police can reposition, add, and remove cameras to acquire any angle in any location on a daily basis.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras and hidden cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit www.security-cams.com.

Security Costs at the 2010 Olympics

The city of Vancouver is bustling with preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Intensive construction efforts directed to improve transportation, provide housing for athletes and venues for competitions have been underway for several years. Major projects such as the Sea to Sky Highway, and the Canada Line skytrain addition are just a few examples. The immense activity during a mega event such as an Olympic Games is mind boggling. For 17 days between February 12th and 18th the streets, buses, and skytrain will be congested constantly with people moving every which direction all day and night. Crowded stadiums filled with high profile VIP’s and athletes would be a tantalizing target for terrorist attacks. The logistics and costs to setup city wide surveillance and security are massive and several multi-million dollar studies are underway to strategize how best accomplish this goal.

The Vancouver Olympic Committee is expecting to spend somewhere around $177 million dollars on security for the games, however the number is likely to increase. Olympic watchdog’s “2010 Watch” spokesman Chris Shaw questions the validity of this claim. In 2002 the US spent over $500 million in Salt Lake, while the Athens Olympics ran a bill of $1.5 billion US dollars. How could a number like $177 million be realistic when other cities have spent so much more? Most of the money, approximately two thirds, will be spent on providing additional police and security personnel during the games. The next biggest expense will be surveillance equipment, voice stress analyzers, security cameras, and explosives sensing equipment. CCTV networks utilizing highly advanced hardware and software will give security officers an astounding amount of information. These networks will be able to recognize people’s faces and be able to rapidly cross check their identity with government records or hotel registrations. Rapid access to this information could give the police the edge they need to prevent a major terrorist disaster.

One concern is that the cameras will remain in place after the games, as they have in recent venues such as Salt Lake City and Sydney, and that they would infringe upon individual privacy. Indoor and outdoor cameras numbering in the thousands will be installed everywhere from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Others question whether or not the cameras will actually do anything to prevent even a small scale terrorist attack. Even if the presence of security cameras does not actually prevent a crime they would certainly help the Vancouver Police Department identify and apprehend perpetrators and this can help reduce crime in the long run.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.