KENOSHA IS WATCHING!
Q:What is AI surveillance?
A: AI surveillance is the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze pictures and video to record and track vehicles and people.
Q:How does AI surveillance work?
A: The AI cameras record pictures and video. They use algorithms to “recognize” what is captured in the images and store that information in a database. The database can then be searched for all instances of that image and similar images. The cameras are not only connected to each other, but can be shared with the national database.
For example, using the database, a police officer could search your license plate number, and that officer would be able to see every time you drove pass an AI camera in the past 30 days.
Q:Aren’t security cameras a good thing?
A: While closed circuit (CC) surveillance cameras can be beneficial for protecting businesses and even streets, there is a key distinction between AI surveillance cameras.
Traditional CCTV surveillance is typically used after a crime occurs. When an incident is reported at a specific place and time, law enforcement can review footage from nearby cameras to look for evidence. The scope of these searches is generally limited by available personnel and, in many cases, by legal requirements such as warrants to access or review certain recordings.
With AI surveillance, one person can search the AI data base for broad topics like “white car” or even your name, and the algorithm will show every single time the white car or you were captured on an AI camera in the past 30 days. Depending on city policy, which may or may not be established, these broad searches can be done without a warrant.
Q:Does Kenosha have AI surveillance?
A: Yes. Kenosha installed Flock cameras in June of 2024.
Q: How many AI cameras does Kenosha have?
A: There are more than 30 AI cameras within Kenosha County, and the number continues to increase.
Q: Who pays for AI surveillance?
A: AI surveillance is taxpayer funded.
Q: How much does being spied on cost the residents of Kenosha?
A: According to Kenosha County Eye, each camera cost about $3000 annually. If the total amount of cameras stays the same, $90,000 a year.
Q:Is there the potential for abuse of AI cameras and have there been any local incidents of abuse?
A: Yes! Without proper protocols and procedures, as well as limits who can access the database and for what reason, AI cameras can be used for nefarious purposes. There have been several reported instances of people abusing the AI surveillance system including one instance in Wisconsin.
Q: What is the trade-off for having constant surveillance?
A: Never before have American citizens been watched so closely by such powerful technology. Proponents of the technology argue that constant surveillance creates a safer environment.
The real question is, is your life and the lives of millions of Americans being constantly watched an equal tradeoff to more quickly catch a few crimes after they have been committed?
I say no.
