Imagine walking through an evening neighborhood, knowing that your safety is monitored not just by recording devices, but by smart systems capable of predicting problems. This is the reality being prepared for residents by the city district of Košice – Sídlisko KVP (KVP housing estate). Here, 19 new cameras equipped with artificial intelligence will be installed, which will not only record events but also analyze them in real time.
This project, called “SMART devices at KVP,” aims to significantly increase safety levels in public places. Overall, with the new devices, there will be 38 cameras at KVP, making it the city district with the best video surveillance coverage in Košice, considering the area of the district.
What can the new cameras do?
The new cameras can recognize and warn about a number of events that may disturb public order or pose a threat. Among them are:
- unauthorized access to restricted areas;
- suspicious movements;
- acts of vandalism;
- damage to the camera itself.
The system will also use anonymous metadata to count pedestrians, monitor traffic intensity, and assess parking space occupancy. Importantly, images will not be stored in cloud storage but will remain at the local dispatch center.
Where will the new devices appear?
Currently, outdoor cameras are already installed on Starozagorská, Drábová, Bauerová, Klimkovičová streets, and also in Drocárov park. New cameras are planned for Jasuschová, Janigová, Wuppertálska, and Cottbuská streets. Other strategic locations will also be determined.
The mayor of the KVP city district, Ladislav Lörinc (Ladislav Lörinc), noted that recordings from these cameras will help the police solve crimes. Experience from other cities shows that a large number of cameras also has a preventive effect, deterring offenders and making streets safer.
More than just cameras
The project is not limited to cameras only. Three meteorological and environmental stations will also be installed in the district. They will monitor not only temperature, humidity, and wind but also air quality and other environmental parameters.
Nine digital information panels will be installed to inform residents, through which local authorities can quickly communicate important news. Part of the project is also the creation of a new dispatch center. The total cost of this comprehensive solution is nearly 300,000 euros, with a significant part covered by European funds.
This project is part of the broader “SMART CITY Košice” initiative, aimed at integrating smart solutions into urban infrastructure, especially in lighting and transport.
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