Three Military Police facial recognition cameras were stolen around Complexo da Maré, and a fourth was vandalized. The system was launched by the government as a novelty in the fight against crime and was supposed to help locate fugitives, but it became a target for criminals.
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Less than 24 hours
One of the cameras did not complete 24 hours installed around the community complex, which is in the North Zone of Rio. The report comes from L8, a company hired by the police for R$18 million to carry out the service.
Why Complexo da Maré
Complexo da Maré was chosen by the government as the first territory controlled by organized crime to be monitored by facial recognition cameras. The announcement was made in October 2023, after armed drug traffickers were caught in guerrilla type of training.
Delay in Schedule
When notified by the corporation about delays in the schedule, L8 pointed out the immense difficulties it faced and still faces in relation to this location, which range from threats to the physical integrity of employees to theft of equipment.
The risk of theft and vandalism has even changed the planning of facilities in other regions of the city, such as Copacabana Beach.
Height Change
The contracted company admits that it increased the height of the cameras to 8 meters from the ground to prevent the action of criminals. However, the greater distance to the possible targets interfered with the tests carried out by the Military Police (PM) – who were not satisfied with the result. The PM even considered terminating the contract unilaterally, but the system was still used at the Marquês de Sapucaí carnival.
Analysis:
Facial recognition cameras, launched as an innovation in combating crime by the state government, have faced significant obstacles during their implementation, especially in the Complexo da Maré region. The system, initially intended to locate fugitives and stolen vehicles, was announced after the discovery of armed drug traffickers carrying out guerrilla type of training in the area. The implementation of the facial recognition system in this location faces significant challenges, revealing hostility on the part of criminals who control the region. Adaptations to the security strategy, including increasing the height of cameras, reflect the specific operational challenges of this environment but also indicate the need to review the adopted strategy.
Furthermore, the impact on the security strategy is not just restricted to Complexo da Maré, reaching other areas of the city, such as Copacabana Beach. In conclusion, the current situation demands a careful analysis of the implementation strategy, as well as the technology used, considering not only operational challenges but also the resistance expressed by criminals in the region.