Swedes Look to Facial Recognition, Drones to Fight Rising Gang Violence

In a bid to curb escalating gang violence, the Swedish government has announced plans to significantly increase the use of surveillance technology. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer revealed at a press conference that the police will receive an additional 2,500 cameras next year, marking a fivefold increase since the new government took office. The initiative, dubbed the “camera offensive,” aims to address the rising incidents of shootings and bombings among rival gangs.

“Cameras are extremely important in a situation like this,” Strömmer emphasized, adding that the need for technical evidence has become crucial as fewer people are willing to cooperate with the police. The right-wing coalition parties, consisting of the Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Liberals, have expressed their support for the increased surveillance, suggesting that even more cameras could be added following further legal investigations into surveillance.

The government’s proposed changes to the law also include the use of facial recognition technology powered by AI. This will enable the police to more easily identify criminals, such as gang members. Additionally, automatic number plate recognition is being considered as another tool for law enforcement. The police will also gain more opportunities to use drones and have direct access to external cameras, like those managed by the Swedish Transport Administration.

Liberal MP Martin Melin defended the increased surveillance, citing its effectiveness in other countries like the UK. He dismissed concerns about privacy invasion, stating, “I don’t think people are worried about being filmed, but they are worried about having their house blown up or being shot at while shopping.”

The move comes amid growing tensions between long-term Swedish residents and recent immigrant communities, from which many gang members are recruited. Sweden’s police chief Anders Thornberg estimates that about 13,000 people are linked to the country’s criminal underworld, including young people who are easier to influence and exploit. The new surveillance measures are seen as a crucial step in tackling the complex issue of gang violence in Sweden.

Sources: Euractiv, The Guardian

–

October 4, 2023 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team