How AI Surveillance is Shaping Public Safety in Smart Cities

By Mwikisa Kanguya

Artificial intelligence is transforming urban surveillance as cities grow smarter by transforming passive camera networks into proactive public safety defenders. These days, AI-powered systems can recognize hazards in real time, detect odd behavior, and facilitate quick emergency actions with little assistance from humans. These technologies, which range from facial recognition and license plate tracking to predictive analytics that highlight questionable behavior, are assisting law enforcement in preventing crime instead of only responding to it. Improved safety, quicker incident response, and more efficient use of resources are among the advantages, but the growth of AI monitoring also raises important questions about data governance, privacy, and ethical limits. The key to ensuring AI serves the public interest in tomorrow’s cities will be striking a balance between security and civil liberties.

Success of AI Surveillance for Public Safety:

AI surveillance has proven to be a transformative tool for enhancing public safety in urban environments. In major cities like Singapore, Dubai, and London, AI-powered systems have significantly improved crime detection and emergency response times. Facial recognition and behavior analysis technologies have enabled authorities to identify suspects, detect threats, and even prevent incidents before they occur. For example, predictive policing algorithms can analyze crime patterns to allocate patrols more efficiently, reducing crime rates in high-risk zones. In transport hubs, AI has been used to monitor crowd behavior and detect unattended bags or aggressive actions in real time. The success of these implementations lies in their ability to process vast data streams instantly, enabling smarter, faster decision-making that traditional systems cannot match. However, continued success depends on transparent deployment, strict data regulations, and public trust.

Innovative Startups Leading AI Surveillance for Public Safety in Smart Cities

Eagle Eye Networks

Founded by Dean Drako, Eagle Eye Networks provides a cloud-based video surveillance platform that integrates AI-powered analytics with flexible infrastructure to support scalable, real-time monitoring across multiple locations. The system enables users to remotely manage and search surveillance footage, share live video with emergency services, and enhance security operations using smart search tools and license plate recognition. Designed to be compatible with existing camera hardware and adaptable to various bandwidth conditions, the platform also supports integration through an open API. Its architecture supports secure, efficient video access and storage and facilitates operational improvements across diverse industries such as retail, healthcare, logistics, and education.

Omnilert

Omnilert is a U.S.-based company founded by Ara Bagdasarian that develops AI-driven visual gun detection technology designed to enhance the capabilities of existing security camera systems. By integrating artificial intelligence with human verification and automated response protocols, Omnilert’s system identifies potential firearm threats in real time and initiates safety measures such as locking doors and alerting first responders. The technology is adaptable to various environments, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and commercial spaces.

Blacklight AI | OwlGaze

Blacklight is a company founded by Ralph Chammah that delivers an integrated cybersecurity platform that unifies the capabilities of SIEM, SOAR, and XDR into a single, cloud-native solution. Developed by security professionals, it leverages AI-driven modeling and real-time monitoring to support rapid threat detection and automated response. The platform simplifies log integration and data management, enabling lean security operations while addressing the shortage of cybersecurity talent. Designed to work across IT, OT, and blockchain environments, Blacklight also offers built-in compliance tracking and actionable insights, empowering organizations to make informed, risk-aware decisions.

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