Paris, April 22 – Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure has strongly advocated for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in video surveillance systems to enhance public safety and order. During a Senate hearing on public space security, Faure emphasized the potential of AI to quickly detect illicit activities such as urban rodeos and to effectively manage large-scale demonstrations.
AI: A Growing Topic in Security Debates
The role of AI in security has become a prominent discussion point, particularly following concerns surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. An experimental law was introduced to allow the use of AI-enhanced algorithmic video surveillance for the Games. On Thursday, March 25, AI was again a central theme in Senate discussions, this time within two information missions: one focusing on the future of public order maintenance, and another addressing authorities’ responses to the “appropriation of public spaces” (urban rodeos, fireworks, rave parties).
Chief Faure, addressing the Senate, specifically highlighted the benefits of AI for combating urban rodeos. “I am in favor of using AI behind surveillance cameras. This would allow for much faster detection and interception of motorcycles,” he stated. He suggested that this AI integration should be coupled with an increased deployment of video drones, which are already frequently used by police during protests.
Distinguishing Detection from Facial Recognition
Faure clarified the scope of AI usage, stating, “We are not asking to identify individuals, but to automatically detect vehicle movements that are not customary.” This statement aimed to alleviate concerns about the implementation of facial recognition technology, which he explicitly distanced from the proposed AI applications, contrasting it with practices seen in countries like China.
These remarks align with a bill presented earlier by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, named “Ripost” (for Immediate Responses Against Public Order Disturbing Phenomena). This project seeks to extend the experimental use of algorithmic video surveillance until 2030, targeting not only urban rodeos but also other public disturbances.
Mixed Results at the Olympics, but Promising Future
Marie-Pierre de La Gontrie (PS), who previously led an information mission on the subject, questioned the effectiveness of AI during the Olympics. “We noted that this AI system was not ready” during the Games, she reminded Faure. The system was intended to prevent security threats around competition venues. She asked, “Do you consider this system to be ready now?”
Faure acknowledged “mixed results” at the Olympics but defended a necessarily gradual implementation. “The system cannot function natively. We must feed data continuously so that, for example, AI cameras understand that fast-moving vehicles in groups are potentially rodeos.” Beyond this, the Police Chief envisions using AI during demonstrations to identify crowd movements. “It’s being built, and I believe in it greatly,” he affirmed.
Senator Isabelle Florennes (Union Centriste) further expanded on the potential of AI, stating, “The experimentation during the Olympics was also interesting for security in transport.” Florennes, who introduced a bill in December to extend algorithmic processing to cameras in public transport, confirmed that RATP and SNCF are already collaborating with the prefecture on this matter.
Florennes also emphasized the importance of national sovereignty in AI development. “Algorithms are fed by what we put into them. If France does not advance on this subject while others do, there is a risk that other countries will provide us with their software, with a procedure that does not suit our legislation,” she warned.
Call for a Clear Legislative Framework
Marc-Philippe Daubresse (LR) echoed this sentiment, calling for support for French companies in the sector, particularly Thales, through the establishment of a clear legislative framework to prevent their relocation abroad. “This is a subject that will catch up with us if we do not address it ourselves, in the French way, with respect for liberties as a prerequisite,” he stated.
In response, Patrice Faure declared, “Give me the legislative framework to use the technological means that exist, and we will do it with pleasure.” He assured that his services are closely monitoring international developments in AI and announced that he would meet with French AI companies on April 1st.
Source: https://www.publicsenat.fr/actualites/politique/lia-jy-crois-beaucoup-le-prefet-de-police-de-paris-defend-son-utilisation-pour-la-surveillance-video-des-rodeos-urbains-et-des-manifestations
