TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND SURVEILLANCE: THE IMPACTS OF FACIAL RECOGNITION CAMERAS ON THE CAPTURE OF FUGITIVES AND THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME IN DOWNTOWN MANAUS

Abstract

This study analyzes the impacts of implementing a facial recognition system using surveillance cameras in downtown Manaus, Amazonas, on the activities of the Amazonas Military Police (PMAM) and on public safety, emphasizing the challenges and achievements resulting from this implementation, particularly regarding the apprehension of fugitives. Historically, downtown Manaus is one of the areas with a high flow of people in the capital, due to the numerous bus lines that pass through the region, the concentration of large retail chains, technology stores, clothing stores, and general merchandise stores, as well as historical and listed buildings that attract the attention of tourists disembarking at the Port of Manaus, also located in that area. The results indicate that surveillance cameras in downtown Manaus, integrated with intelligent systems such as Paredão, have proven to be fundamental and efficient tools in contributing to the effective performance of the Military Police, ensuring public order and social peace in a place that has historically suffered from high crime rates. The implementation of these intelligent systems and the use of new technologies by the public security system has contributed to the reduction of crime, since the mere knowledge of the population about the presence of monitoring systems contributes to the deterrence of criminal actions, as well as the identification of fugitives and real-time monitoring of crimes and criminals. The implementation of advanced technologies, including facial recognition and artificial intelligence, has yielded positive results in combating robberies and thefts in the central region and commercial areas, as well as in the arrest of many fugitives who circulated or carried out some criminal activity in that region of the capital.