Logan City Council's AI-driven CCTV network is reshaping public safety monitoring. 

The council manages 1,400 cameras across public areas, with footage monitored 24/7 by council staff and police. 

Its new system allows searches based on descriptions like clothing or vehicle type, condensing hours of footage into minutes. 

Mayor Jon Raven has described the technology as transformative for investigations.

“If there was a white Holden in a certain area at a certain time, they can actually track its movements throughout the city,” he said. 

The AI software, which the council says does not employ facial recognition, enhances police response times and addresses issues like illegal dumping and graffiti. 

“This technology isn’t just about responding to crime. With more eyes on illegal dumping, graffiti and littering, it means we can keep our streets clean,” Cr Raven said. 

Police reportedly use the system more than 1,000 times a month.  

Despite its benefits, the initiative has drawn criticism from privacy advocates. 

Michael Cope, President of the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, called it unjustified “mass surveillance” and expressed concerns about unclear data retention policies. 

“All of this data, whether you think it's justified or not, should be deleted after, say, 72 hours unless it actually shows a crime,” Cope has told reporters.  

 “If the council wishes to engage in covert surveillance, the law should require them to get a warrant from a magistrate, just as the police have to.”  

The council is assuring the public that data remains local and accessible only to police and council staff. However, it has declined to disclose the software developer's identity or detailed retention policies.  

The council says it installs around 30 new cameras each year, funded by local and federal sources. 

More details are accessible here.

CareerSpot This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.