Deputy Mayor Anthony Borré held a conference on Friday, October 27th, about the technological innovations that the city of Nice is employing to enhance its security.
Nice aims to be a pioneering city in the field of security, claiming to be the first in France in terms of the budget invested in technologies to reinforce its security. The main focus highlighted is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize the work of law enforcement. Due to the current terrorist context, this is the main area on which the city of Nice will rely.
Thanks to artificial intelligence software, cameras now have the capability to automatically recognize what is happening in front of them. In the event of illegal dumping or suspicious packages in a public place, the software will recognize it and directly alert the authorities via the Urban Supervision Center. This also works in cases of assaults or public disturbances.
AI will also play a key role in the safety of cyclists. It has the ability to detect if a scooter is riding on a bike lane or if a vehicle is parked in the middle of the space reserved for cyclists. It performs 33 detections per day and enabled the penalization of 3,093 offenders in 2023.
Following the numerous fires that the region suffered this summer, high technology also plays an important role. It was also the time to review the cutting-edge surveillance camera presented last July at City Hall. Capable of recognizing a fire within a 10-kilometer radius, since its activation this summer on Mont Chauve, it has performed 28 detections; 3 concerned fires and 25 involved controlled burning practices.
A Unique Innovation in France
Anthony Borré, Deputy Mayor in charge of security, presented a new feature. The people of Nice have surely already noticed the emergency stations located at all key points throughout the city allowing for emergency calls. Well, the first mobile emergency stations were introduced, which can be set up in just two hours without needing to dig or lay cables. This will allow for rapid deployment in risk areas to maximize security.
The City recalls that it was solely thanks to these stations that, during the attack on the Notre Dame Basilica on October 29, 2020, the authorities were able to intervene and neutralize the terrorist in just four minutes.
In this regard, a ceremony to honor the victims of the attack at the Basilica of Notre-Dame of the Assumption will be held on Sunday at 8:30 AM at the same Basilica.
