So, how are smart cities benefiting from analytics? More and more cities are using new technologies, big data, and predictive analytics to improve public safety. Massive amounts of data streaming in from strategically placed devices, sensors, CCTV cameras, and social media are helping cities all over the globe to become “smart.” This flood of data coupled with advanced analytic capabilities translates into safer, more efficient urban centers that are better able to respond to citizens’ needs.
In this post, we’ll take a look at how few innovative ways that cities throughout the United States are using data.
How Cities Are Using Predictive Analytics to Lower Crime Rates
Using historical and geographical data, predictive analytics can help a city’s decision-makers and law enforcement teams predict where crimes are like to occur.
This information helps business owners, residents, and law enforcement officers hire additional security, organize community watch groups, increase patrols, deploy surveillance cameras, shot detection systems, and implement intervention strategies based on statistical data.
New Orleans’ NOLA for Life campaign, for example, used analytics to determine the likelihood of violent crime (such as gun and gang violence) occurring in a given area.
Launched in 2012, the campaign “produced positive results against gun violence almost immediately. Beginning in 2013, more than 100 gang members were indicted on federal or state racketeering charges. Additionally, several hundred identified gang members attended “call-ins” hosted by the city, in which participants were presented with a choice between engaging negatively with the criminal justice system or positively with social services” (The Advocate).
How Smart Cities Are Using Technology to Preempt Violent Youth Crime
San Francisco was able to offer early intervention and support to potential juvenile offenders by employing a real-time, web-based case management system across the Department of Public Health, the Juvenile Probation Department, and the Human Services Agency.
“51 percent of San Franciscans involved in multiple service systems were convicted of a serious crime; a third had been served by all three agencies; and the overwhelming majority (88 percent) of these youth committed the crime more than 90 days after becoming a crossover client – a critical window during which, the analysis suggested, caseworkers may be able to intervene” (Data-Smart City Solutions).
The system ultimately allowed city officials to systematically identify at-risk youth. Using the system, analysts discovered that so-called “crossover clients” were much more likely to commit a serious crime than other juveniles across the city. As a result, the city, nonprofits, caseworkers, and social workers were better able to offer services to support the city’s youth.
How Smart Cities Benefit From Using Traffic Surveillance Cameras
Not only can video surveillance cameras lower crime rates and prevent violent youth crime, but they can help us on our day-to-day commute! Strategically placed traffic cams placed at busy intersections and congested highways help inform traffic updates. These updates alert commuters to unexpected road closures and provide the information needed to suggest alternative routes.
Traffic cameras can also relay information about vehicle flow and driving patterns. This valuable data can be used by municipalities and by the department of transportation to influence decisions about repairs and future road development.
Finally, highly visible traffic cameras can also be used to enforce speed limits, fine drivers who run a red light, and assist law eforcement during an investigation. They may also encourage drivers to focus on the road and to practice safe driving habits.
Copyright 2019
John Nemerofsky – President of CGL Technologies, a franchise model that focuses on optimizing business and sales processes while partnering with clients and manufacturers to drive growth in key security market locations.
Learn more about CGL Technologies at https://cgltechnologies.net/