From a press release by Claro:
The Town of Dover has taken a bold step forward in public safety by partnering with Claro to deploy advanced AI-driven surveillance technology across its municipal buildings. This initiative, which enhances both security and operational efficiency, is already being recognized as a model for smart city innovation.
With the help of Claro’s expertise, the Town of Dover was able to integrate AI Video Analytics use cases, such as visible weapons detection and facial recognition, into its existing camera system – avoiding the significant cost and disruption of a full infrastructure overhaul.
“As a small municipality, we don’t have the budget for constant law enforcement presence,” said Mayor James Dodd. “Claro gave us the ability to enhance safety with cutting-edge technology that works with what we already have.”
Read more of the press release.
Claro and the town obviously think this is a good thing, but those of us who appreciate the First Amendment and Fourth Amendment may not agree. Here’s the version of their headline Joe Cadillic sent us:
“Town of Dover NJ to use Claro facial recognition in libraries, municipal buildings and to ID people in crowds”
Libraries? Privacy in libraries is especially sensitive so as not to observe what books people are reading or checking out. How will Claro be used in libraries?
Yes, there is supposedly no reasonable expectation of privacy in public, but in the day and age of citizens and immigrants being rounded up by ICE or at risk of violation of civil liberties, do we really need MORE surveillance? Will immigrants need to be fearful if they try to read up on immigration law in the Dover library? We hope not.