Kazakhstan is redefining urban safety with its innovative “Carpet CCTV” project, led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This pioneering initiative merges extensive surveillance with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics, marking a shift from traditional reactive security measures to proactive crime prevention. By integrating these cutting-edge tools into its infrastructure, Kazakhstan is setting a new standard in public safety, enhancing not just surveillance but also the ability to manage urban risks in real time.
In just four years, Kazakhstan’s CCTV network has grown exponentially, expanding from 40,500 cameras to an impressive 1.3 million. Among these, 313,000 are directly accessible by police officers, strategically placed to cover crucial areas of the country. This massive expansion has allowed law enforcement to monitor public spaces more effectively, detect potential threats, and respond swiftly to emergencies. The results speak for themselves: as of early 2024, the system had detected over 8,200 criminal offenses and logged 7.1 million traffic violations, significantly improving safety on the streets and on the roads.
The key to the success of the Carpet CCTV system lies in its integration of artificial intelligence. The use of advanced technologies such as facial recognition, license plate detection, and crowd monitoring allows authorities to track and predict criminal behavior more accurately. For instance, facial recognition helps identify persons of interest in real time, while AI-driven traffic monitoring not only enhances road safety but also contributes to public revenue through traffic fines. These intelligent systems provide valuable insights that enable the authorities to act proactively, preventing incidents before they occur and improving the overall management of urban spaces.
However, the implementation of such a large-scale project came with its challenges. Managing the massive influx of data generated by over a million high-definition cameras required major upgrades in Kazakhstan’s communication networks and data storage systems. Additionally, integrating both public and private camera networks required careful coordination and the establishment of clear data-sharing protocols. Privacy concerns also played a significant role, prompting the government to implement stringent regulations to protect citizens’ rights. Through strategic planning, effective partnerships, and open communication, Kazakhstan has been able to overcome these hurdles, providing a blueprint for other nations aiming to enhance their own public safety initiatives.