The London Underground is already using artificial intelligence to fight crime

London Underground is rolling out new surveillance tools using artificial intelligence to detect crime in real time. During a trial at a Transport for London station, the computer vision system identified potential threats: weapons, behavior that could indicate criminal intent, and passengers who do not pay their fares.

From October 2022 to the end of September 2023, Transport for London tested 11 algorithms for monitoring passengers at Willesden Green tube station. This was the first test where artificial intelligence and live video were combined to create a system that sends messages to staff about possible danger.

The system detected more than 44,000 potentially dangerous situations, of which more than 19,000 required real-time intervention by plant personnel. According to representatives of Transport for London, the introduction of such a system will allow a faster response to threats and provide greater safety for passengers and staff.

However, despite the successes, the system also faces challenges such as detection accuracy and data processing. It is necessary to constantly improve algorithms to avoid mistakes and make the most of this technology in the fight against crime.