Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant strides in various sectors, and law enforcement is no exception. One such advancement is the AI system developed by Rekor, a company that specializes in “roadway intelligence”. This system was recently used by the police in New York to identify and apprehend a drug trafficker based on his driving patterns.
The Magic of AI in Policing
The case in question involved David Zayas, who was traveling through Scarsdale, a small town in upstate New York. Westchester County police pulled him over and found a large amount of crack cocaine, a gun, and over $34,000 in cash in his vehicle. Zayas later pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge.
But how did the police know that Zayas was involved in drug trafficking? The answer lies in the AI system developed by Rekor.
Rekor’s AI System: A New Tool for Law Enforcement
Rekor’s AI system analyzes traffic patterns regionally and identifies suspicious behavior. In this case, the system identified Zayas as a potential drug trafficker based on his driving patterns.
For years, police have used license plate reading systems to look out for drivers with expired licenses or those wanted for prior violations. However, the integration of AI has taken this technology to a new level, enabling it to identify criminal activity based on driver behavior.
How Does Rekor’s System Work?
Rekor describes itself as an AI-driven “roadway intelligence” platform. It contracts with police departments and other public agencies across the country, as well as private businesses.
Using Rekor’s software, New York police were able to sift through a massive database of information collected from regional roadways by its county-wide automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system. This system, which consists of 480 cameras distributed throughout the region, scans 16 million vehicles a week, capturing data points like a vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model.
By recording and reverse-engineering vehicle trajectories as they travel across the state, the police can use the software to assess whether particular routes are suspicious or not.
The Future of AI in Policing
The use of AI in policing is a growing trend, but it also raises important questions about privacy and civil liberties. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s used responsibly and doesn’t infringe on individuals’ rights.
Conclusion
The use of Rekor’s AI system in the police force is a testament to the potential of AI in law enforcement. While it offers significant benefits, it’s crucial to balance these with the need to protect civil liberties and ensure responsible use of technology.
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FAQs
- What is Rekor’s AI system? Rekor’s AI system is a “roadway intelligence” platform that analyzes traffic patterns and identifies suspicious behavior.
- How was Rekor’s system used in the Zayas case? The system identified Zayas as a potential drug trafficker based on his driving patterns.
- What data does Rekor’s system collect? The system collects data points like a vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model, and uses this information to analyze driving patterns.
- What are the potential concerns with using AI in policing? The use of AI in policing raises important questions about privacy and civil liberties, and it’s crucial to ensure that it’s used responsibly.
- What is the future of AI in the police force? As AI becomes more sophisticated, it’s likely to play an increasingly important role in law enforcement, but it’s crucial to balance this with the need to protect civil liberties.
