Artificial intelligence for greater security in Mönchengladbach

Observation in line with data protection

KIRaPol.5G is a research project funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It aims to support police surveillance in public areas where there is a potential danger to citizens from crimes such as fights or assaults. Innovative radar technology is to be used for this purpose: Compared to conventional video surveillance systems, this offers the advantage that data is recorded anonymously using special sensors. This means that no conclusions can be drawn about the identity of the people being observed. Thanks to algorithms supported by artificial intelligence, dangerous situations can be detected and reported to the police while at the same time safeguarding personal rights and data protection requirements.

Project partners from industry, science and security authorities

The Mönchengladbach police force is one of six partners in KIRaPol.5G who are working together to develop this technology. Tests and demonstrations will take place in areas of the city of Mönchengladbach, for example at Platz der Republik. KIRaPol.5G is scheduled to run for two and a half years - the research project started on January 1, 2022 and is expected to end on June 30, 2024. The project is managed by IMST GmbH, which is responsible for the radar technology.

Advantages of radar compared to other technologies

In addition to the advantages already mentioned with regard to the anonymization of the information collected, radar technology is also insensitive to light conditions and environmental influences such as fog, rain or smoke.

What part does the Mönchengladbach police play in the project?

The Mönchengladbach police already use video technology to monitor public paths and squares in the central city area on the basis of the NRW Police Act in order to avert danger - for a limited period of time and in terms of space. The recordings may be stored and used for criminal prosecution if required by law. The police use this stored video material to create training material for the project partners in order to classify dangerous situations.

Furthermore, the police are involved in processing all data protection aspects: If persons are fundamentally no longer identifiable through the technology used, the encroachment on fundamental rights no longer applies, but the consideration of ethical issues is of central importance.