OC Transpo is considering implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to notify special constables about criminal activities and emergencies taking place on their vehicles and premises, Ottawa city councillors were informed. Chief special constable of OC Transpo, Peter Scislowski, mentioned during a transit committee meeting that the agency is exploring the use of AI to monitor security cameras for enhanced security measures.
Scislowski explained that the staff is assessing the potential of using real-time anomaly detection AI to enhance crime prevention and passenger safety in transit settings. This AI system would identify unusual behaviors like assaults, vandalism, loitering, and emergencies, allowing special constables to respond promptly.
Inspired by Montreal’s initiative to prevent suicides in the Metro using AI surveillance, Scislowski shared that he and OC Transpo’s chief safety officer, Sabrina Pasian, visited Montreal to gain insights from their approach. They were particularly impressed by Montreal’s advanced use of data and technology in their operations.
With over 10,000 security cameras across its network, OC Transpo is contemplating leveraging AI to identify irregularities, Pasian mentioned. She anticipates providing an update to the transit committee on the progress of researching AI’s capabilities within the next year.
However, Laura Shantz from the Ottawa Transit Riders group expressed concerns about potential issues such as racial profiling and excessive policing due to the untested nature of the technology. She emphasized that increasing ridership would be a more practical way to enhance safety on OC Transpo.
Pasian acknowledged the need for further efforts to address apprehensions regarding the risks associated with AI implementation. She emphasized the importance of thorough research and precautions to mitigate any negative impacts, even though she admitted to not having seen the show “Black Mirror.”