AI-Powered Dejaview: Predicting Crime Before It Happens in South Korea

South Korean researchers have introduced an artificial intelligence system capable of predicting criminal activities before they occur. The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on July 18 the creation of Dejaview, a sophisticated technology that analyzes CCTV footage, crime statistics, and location data to detect early signs of criminal behavior.

Dejaview operates on the principle that many crimes follow patterns similar to past incidents. By leveraging AI to compare and analyze current situations against historical crime data—including type, method, location, and time—Dejaview can assess the risk of criminal activity. This system is anticipated to be commercialized by the end of next year.

Dejaview consists of two main components: a spatiotemporal crime prediction system and an AI-powered analysis tool. The former assesses risk based on similarities to previous incidents, such as flagging higher risks if patterns resembling past crimes appear in secluded areas late at night.

The AI system, utilizing historical crime data, examines CCTV footage to identify and monitor situations such as stalking, falls, and the early stages of fires. It can also spot potential drug trafficking or smuggling by detecting unusual pedestrian and vehicle movements. By consistently comparing live footage with past crime patterns, Dejaview offers a proactive crime prevention method, allowing authorities to act before incidents escalate.

In partnership with Seoul’s Seocho District, ETRI dedicated three years to analyzing extensive data from 32,656 CCTV-recorded incidents. This effort led to the development of a Predictive Crime Map (PCM), which highlights high-risk areas for crime based on historical data. The PCM categorizes events like violent crimes, traffic accidents, and fires according to time and location. The system achieved an 82.8% accuracy rate, as verified by the Telecommunications Technology Association of Korea’s testing standards.

Dejaview’s advanced AI system can evaluate situations in real time, offering law enforcement a powerful tool to enhance public safety. For instance, if a man is seen following a woman late at night, traditional CCTV would merely capture their movements. However, Dejaview analyzes the frequency of similar past crimes in that area and time. If the pattern suggests a high risk, the system alerts the police, enabling them to intervene promptly. This approach promises to significantly improve crime prevention and response in South Korea.

Also Read: