What’s Your Opinion On Maine Towns Using AI Traffic Cameras?

Unlike some places in the world, the more urban parts of the United Kingdom, for example, we don't have a lot of traffic cameras here in Maine.

However, they are becoming more common.  And, these days, we are seeing more cameras powered by artificial intelligence.

According to an article on the WMTW, more Maine communities are installing AI-powered cameras to help them catch criminals.  Members of law enforcement are happy about how these cameras make it much easier for them to do their jobs, but many people have concerns about privacy.  Some have even questioned how the collected data is being used.

The article explains that, in York, automatic license plate cameras have been running for about a year and a half.  Lt. Nick Piskopanis from the York Police Department says they’ve already made a big difference.  He explains that the cameras have allowed them to solve several crimes that they never would have been able to without the cameras.

He explained that the system has proven especially useful in situations where time is critical.  When dealing with a potential child abduction, for example.

The Flock Safety cameras record and store details like license plate numbers, make, model, and color of passing vehicles.  That information has already helped York officers catch a catalytic converter thief after a witness gave them only a partial description of the suspect’s vehicle.

What about the people who have concerns about the information being collected by the cameras?  Police say the cameras do not include facial recognition and all recorded information is deleted after 21 days.  He also explained that the cameras are not allowed to be used by ICE or other immigration officials.

He added that the goal is to use technology to keep people safe, not to invade privacy.

York police plan to host a public meeting in November to give residents a chance to share their thoughts and concerns about the cameras, especially around data collection and privacy.

What is your opinion?  Let us know by sending us a message using our app.