The city of Rio de Janeiro is set to undergo a major transformation in public security infrastructure, with the implementation of 20,000 artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras by 2028. Announced by Mayor Eduardo Paes and Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere, the initiative is part of the expansion of the Civitas project, which integrates intelligent monitoring with law enforcement operations. The plan includes advanced technologies such as facial recognition, vehicle scanning, and behavioral analysis to assist police in crime prevention, investigations, and real-time incident response. Strategically distributed across high-crime areas, expressways, and city entry points, the system aims to create a comprehensive network capable of identifying threats, supporting investigations, and protecting citizens.
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Technical Criteria
The deployment will follow technical criteria defined in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Prioritization will be given to areas with high demand for police presence, crime hotspots, and zones considered technologically vulnerable. Key locations slated to receive the cameras include expressways such as Avenida Brasil. The only zones exempt from monitoring will be Tijuca and Pedra Branca parks. All major roadways will be under surveillance.
More than 5,500 Cameras
Currently, the city operates approximately 5,500 surveillance cameras. The expansion plan is structured in phases: 8,900 cameras are expected to be operational by the end of this year, with 9,300 active by Carnival 2026. By August 2026, that number is projected to reach 11,700. Existing cameras lacking advanced technology will be phased out as the new devices are deployed.
New Technology
The upgraded cameras will be capable of scanning and identifying vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, conducting facial recognition, and counting vehicle flow. Facial recognition will aid in locating fugitives and missing persons, thereby expanding the system’s public safety role beyond traditional surveillance.
Civitas
The Civitas Center processes data based on official requests submitted by law enforcement agencies. For example, if an investigation requires information about a vehicle’s license plate, the center searches for it using the data collected by the camera network. According to a report released during the press event, the system reads 6.1 million license plates daily, of which 3.5 million are registered and stored.
City Limits
Surveillance “gateways” will be installed at Rio’s city limits to automatically identify cloned license plates, track abnormal vehicle and pedestrian movements, and monitor suspicious activity in real time. These installations, referred to as Digital Borders, will include 56 gateways and semi-gateways placed at strategic entry and exit points as well as along key roads. Implementation is expected to be completed by year’s end.
Iris
The city’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, named Iris, will act as a virtual assistant. Iris is designed to cross-reference multiple data sources within ten seconds, detect suspicious behavior, recognize faces and crowds, and assist in complex investigations. The system will also be capable of anticipating risky situations based on behavioral patterns. Iris operates using data from several sources, including Disque Denúncia, Central 1746, Instituto Fogo Cruzado, the city’s data lake (which aggregates information from 20 municipal departments), as well as smart camera networks and external databases.
Analysis:
The expansion of Rio de Janeiro’s surveillance infrastructure represents a significant step in integrating technology into public security policy. With 20,000 AI-powered cameras planned by 2028, the initiative aims not only to monitor but to proactively combat crime through automated detection of stolen vehicles, fugitive tracking, and behavioral pattern recognition. This system will allow authorities to identify and respond to criminal activity in real time — a strategic shift from reactive to preventive policing.
The inclusion of facial recognition, vehicle scanning, and the Iris AI system suggests a comprehensive approach to digital policing. Iris’s ability to cross-reference data from multiple sources within seconds adds a layer of intelligence that enhances operational capacity, particularly in densely populated urban environments.
While the initiative holds the potential to dramatically improve response times and investigative capabilities, its effectiveness will depend on transparency, interagency cooperation, and proper use of data. The ethical handling of biometric information, system audits, and safeguards against misuse are crucial to maintaining public trust.
