Studying the Impact of Video Analytics for Pre, Live and Post Event Analysis on Outcomes of Criminal Justice

In FY2014 NIJ released solicitation NIJ–2014–3723 “Optimizing the Use of Video Technology to Improve Criminal Justice Outcomes”. That solicitation sought proposals for the identification, implementation, and evaluation of the applications of video cameras and advanced video analysis software that provide optimum crime control and prevention outcomes. NIJ’s Standing Scientific Review Panel (SRP) for Technology reviewed applications submitted to this FY2014 solicitation. Two awards were made. The panel recommended three additional applications for secondary review. The Acting NIJ Director at the time approved that recommendation.

This award was made in response to a resubmitted proposal submitted by University of Central Florida to the National Institute of Justice FY 2014/2015 solicitation "Optimizing the Use of Video Technology to Improve Criminal Justice Outcomes”

UCF proposes to develop computer vision software tools to automate initial event recognition and post event analysis of surveillance video. It then proposes to conduct a process evaluation of these tools in policing application with the Orlando Police Department (OPD). In addition to the OPD, UCF is teamed in this effort with the Digital Video and Multi-media Laboratory at Columbia University. The process evaluation, which will be conducted by the UCF Department of Criminal Justice, will be accomplished through a visual analytics workstation incorporating the technology that will be placed in the OPDs surveillance camera monitoring room. The workstation will be linked to a new 11-camera system in the Orlando Rosemont neighborhood with six (6) cameras to be monitored by the software and five (5) by human operators. UCF proposes that the new camera system be purchased and installed using award funds through a sub grant to the OPD.
UCF proposes to use several metrics to study the impact of the technology. Metrics of interest include response time normalized by calls for service, times saved per case search, reduction in citizen complaints, and time saved. In addition to quantitative measures, surveys of OPD, State Attorneys, and Public Defender personnel would be conducted to assess knowledge, perceptions, and use of the technology.
The process evaluation, which will be conducted by the UCF Department of Criminal Justice, will be accomplished through a visual analytics workstation incorporating the technology that will be placed in the OPDs surveillance camera monitoring room. UCF proposes to use several metrics to study the impact of the technology. Metrics of interest include response time normalized by calls for service, times saved per case search, reduction in citizen complaints, and time saved. In addition to quantitative measures, surveys of OPD, State Attorneys, and Public Defender personnel would be conducted to assess knowledge, perceptions, and use of the technology.

This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law.

nca/ncf