East Lansdowne police install AI cameras aimed at improving public safety

EAST LANSDOWNE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police in East Lansdowne are testing new artificial intelligence-driven cameras that authorities say are designed to help make the streets safer by capturing criminal activity in real time.

Police Chief James Cadden said the technology is intended to protect both the public and officers, while also allowing the department to share data with neighboring agencies.

He said the cameras have already played a key role in two cases, including the arrest of a suspect who was following two children.

Forty-one AI cameras have been installed along roadways throughout the borough.

"The prime motivation is seeing countless victims of crime and not being able to help them properly," Cadden said.

Cadden said the system allows officers to monitor different areas and use recorded footage as evidence.

"The cameras help response-wise, they help investigative-wise, and they keep good stewardship over the public's fear," he said.

Many of the cameras are mounted on poles and provide officers with real-time video during active incidents.

Officer Bhavin Patel said the technology improves situational awareness.

"It definitely assists with identifying any suspects or descriptions of individuals we're going to encounter or vehicles we're looking for," he said. "I definitely feel safer knowing there are cameras throughout the town because we could be walking into a situation we're unaware of where somebody might be at."

Some residents expressed mixed feelings about the new system.

Tina Moore of Aldan said privacy remains a concern.

"They may not like it at first because they're thinking I want my privacy. Of course, I want my privacy too, but I also want to feel safe. I don't always feel safe when I'm walking around the streets in any neighborhood," she said.

East Lansdowne resident Aneisha Brown said she supports the cameras with conditions.

"I think the cameras could be helpful," she said. "As long as the cameras don't target people that look like me or minority communities."

Cadden said the department is committed to protecting residents' privacy. He said the cameras do not use facial recognition and cannot see inside homes.