Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to deploy the country’s first integrated AI and drone surveillance unit in southwestern districts next April. This marks the initial private-sector field command operation in active duty, announced on the 22nd.
Integrated Surveillance Operations
A Seoul city official stated, “Special intelligence teams and duty officers currently handle reports, but this new single unit will operate a major deployment by early April.” Each unit equips patrol vehicles and compact cars with three advanced AI cameras.
AI Camera Capabilities
These cameras perform precise facial recognition without relying on fingerprints. They detect subtle physical traits like moles or freckles and differentiate between a “suspicious shadow figure” and a “person carrying a bag” after location input. Patrol vehicles also integrate high-powered drones.
Drone Technology Features
Drones feature 90x optical zoom and night vision for clear imaging. They identify humans, vehicles, and 77 other object types, enhancing real-time monitoring across diverse scenarios.
Pilot Program in Southwestern Seoul
Southwestern Seoul districts serve as the pilot site due to elevated demand. From January to October last year, public facilities recorded 237 juvenile injury and dangerous drug crimes. Leading areas included Yeongdeungpo-gu (23 cases), Guro-gu (15 cases), Songpa-gu and Jungnang-gu (14 cases each), Geumcheon-gu (13 cases), and Gangseo-gu (12 cases).
Seoul aims to expand operations by deploying the system across two primary surveillance vehicles to address rising urban challenges effectively.
