The city of Detroit is expanding its use of cameras to help in criminal investigations.
According to city officials, the goal is to have 450 cameras and license plate readers (LPRs) installed on freeways by the end of 2025.
The massive rollout includes I-94, I-96, I-75, M-8, and the Lodge.
At last check, the city installed 25 cameras, according to Mayor Mike Duggan.
The Detroit Police Department confirmed to Local 4 that installation is done on I-94.
“So, these are freeway cameras that we will be able to livestream and see vehicles within all of the freeways within the city of Detroit,” Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes said.
On Tuesday (Jan. 28), Hayes showed how the recently launched project operates in the Real-Time Crime Center.
“This allows us to track in case someone – again, in that real-time mode of escape trying to get away from committing a violent crime,” Hayes said.
The move follows an uptick in violent crimes on freeways, including shootings in recent years.
“I’m all for it,” said resident Sandra Edwards.
How will the surveillance technology be utilized?
A 2023 police report outlined how footage will be used in major criminal investigations, including apprehending suspects and fugitives and tracking Amber Alert vehicles.
DPD also said the multi-million-dollar project will not be used for any facial recognition technology or to monitor traffic violations.
Still, some residents wonder if this is an invasion of privacy.
“I lived in China for many years, and they got cameras everywhere, and it’s really disconcerting to know Big Brother is watching you all the time,” said resident Eric Mitchell.
Data privacy experts also say other questions loom over the project.
“The biggest question is really how long they keep the information,” said Jonathan Weinberg, a Distinguished Professor of Law at Wayne State University.
The department said it has protocols in place to address access, storage, and security of the footage.
According to police, video is stored for 30 days, while LPR information is stored for no longer than 90 days unless it is part of a criminal investigation.
On the streets, some drivers say they are willing to sacrifice privacy to help police catch the bad guys.
“That’s right,” Ralph Hall said. “If you’re not doing anything wrong, why should you worry?”
