San Francisco Police Adopted AI Video Software
The police department deployed AI-powered surveillance software to speed up investigations into vehicle-related crimes.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The San Francisco Police Department began using the AI software BriefCam in August 2026 to accelerate video analysis. The department utilizes the technology to review footage from nearly 500 Flock cameras.
Why it matters
The software is designed to combat vehicle-related crimes like carjackings by automating the review of thousands of hours of footage. This transition aims to reduce reliance on labor-intensive manual video review processes.
The SFPD paid $198,000 for a three-year contract to utilize the software. The department currently accesses nearly 500 Flock cameras and various other video networks to support investigative efforts.
The players
San Francisco Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the safety and security of San Francisco residents.
Hebrew University
This is an academic institution where professors developed the BriefCam software now used by various law enforcement agencies.
The details
BriefCam uses artificial intelligence to synthesize massive amounts of video data by filtering for vehicle attributes and tracking individual movements based on biometrics like height, gender, and race. Created by professors at Hebrew University, the platform also compresses hours of footage to help investigators identify movement patterns rapidly.
Timeline
August 2026: The San Francisco Police Department began using BriefCam software.
September 2026: The SFPD provided a status update on usage to the Board of Supervisors.
October 2026: A District Attorney and Assembly member proposed a new Flock camera law.
Legal Context
The implementation of this technology in San Francisco follows a pattern of adoption previously established by the surveillance of Palestinians in East Jerusalem. The city is currently navigating how these surveillance tools interact with broader public privacy policies and recent legislative proposals regarding camera networks.
Residents may see an increase in the speed of investigations involving vehicle-related crimes due to the automated video review. The department's use of biometric tracking is also expected to remain a focal point of discussions between public officials and community stakeholders.
The takeaway
The deployment of AI-based video analysis highlights a significant shift toward automated investigative tools in urban law enforcement. Residents should monitor future updates from the Board of Supervisors regarding how these surveillance systems interact with local privacy regulations.
Further reading
For more on how local policies govern department tools, explore Law Enforcement.
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