NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The introduction of AI software is helping North Charleston law enforcement officers cut down on the time it takes to investigate and solve a case.
The department recently introduced Artificial Intelligence software to Verkada, a web-based app that reduces investigation time by providing real-time video and image evidence based on what a user puts in a search bar.
When an investigator types keywords into the search bar, like 'red SUV' or 'black police car,' it generates a collection of images that match the description within a certain time frame. The software can report specific items, for example, describing a person down to the shirt they are wearing or the bag they are carrying.
"The problem with video surveillance is it takes a lot of hours and time to sort through all the video and really hone down on what you're looking for. So the use of AI is what helps narrow it down to us, you know? A smaller window of time that they have to watch," Sergeant Joshua Ranck said.
The surveillance system covers 581 cameras across 156 locations in the city. It was first implemented without AI in 2015.
The cameras are found around main roads and heavily traveled areas near neighborhoods. Ranck explains these are the most common areas a perpetrator will find a quick way in or out of a crime scene.
"A crime is committed by somebody, they have to get there somehow and they have to leave somehow, our goal is to catch them as they come and or go so that we have information on what they look like or what they may be driving and then we go from there," Ranck said.
Each camera costs around $1,500 in addition to fees for a subscription, cloud stage and software. Some of the cameras are owned and volunteered for investigative use by civilians or businesses.
The system also provides in-depth blueprints that show the layout of schools or certain businesses in case of an emergency.
Ranck explains the use of AI is a partnership between the City of Charleston.
Detectives can operate the system in one place from the police headquarters' Joint Operation Center, or on the road. The department hopes to expand into a new facility with around-the-clock staff.
"It's a drastic difference going from, you know, four or five days of leg work going through video to a matter of hours," Ranck said. "A lot of times a crime occurs, detectives respond to the scene, gather information from the scene, and by the time the shift is over. They're here in the center. Collecting video from the area and providing what we call bolos for suspect vehicles or Persons of Interest in that case. And those flyers are released to other agencies. So it's within hours and days."