Dubai students develop system to detect, predict and prevent criminal activities

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

A team of faculty of engineering students at the Canadian University of Dubai developed an integrated system to detect, predict and prevent criminal behavior through an artificial intelligence application.

The system, known as (Track 3), aims to provide technical support to law enforcement authorities to stop future criminal activities.

The system is a graduation project of students of Computer and Network Engineering Technology, Amani Matog and Shima Felix, and students of the Department of Network Engineering: Monia Al Khidr and Mohammed Deeb.

A Dubai Police officer monitors activities on his computer screen.

The app uses advanced computer vision through a camera which provides automated real-time video analysis, facial recognition, and emotion detection.

Student Mohammed Deeb explained the system is not the same as traditional CCTV technology, which usually checked the scene after committing a crime.

“We used automated vision to detect real-time facial expressions and body language, indicating that a crime was about to be committed or already committed. When suspicious behaviour is detected, an alarm is released to alert security authorities," Deeb added.

Student Amani said: “The system includes a database which is constantly updated. This helps the police to continue investigations and record evidence, suspects, crime scenes, witnesses and any other relevant data which can help find clues to crimes and prevent future crimes.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The data is accessible at all times to users authorised through the police web app.” Student Shima said, “We aimed to develop a positive device. When some crimes are not solved and criminals are free, everyone will be at risk.

Our system relies on an algorithm which helps predict criminal activity through body language and facial expressions.” Student Monia stressed the system saves precious time and resources. She added, “We aim to continue working with the authorities to use the app widely.”

Dr Rita Zgheib, Assistant Professor and the supervisor of the project, said: “The initiative merges technical knowledge with the personal qualities students have developed during their research studies.

It was impressive to see how they united as a team and combined their various skills to create an innovative solution to an existing global problem.”