Kazakhstan has made a significant advancement in the realm of public safety and accountability through the implementation of a comprehensive video surveillance system across its correctional facilities. This initiative, which began in response to a 2020 mandate from the President, involves over 39,500 high-definition cameras installed throughout 78 prisons nationwide. The incorporation of AI-driven analytics allows for real-time facial recognition, event detection, and license plate identification.
As a result of this cutting-edge system, Kazakhstan has seen remarkable improvements: over 32,000 violations of detention protocols have been identified, 62 suicide attempts prevented, and six escape attempts stopped. Additionally, there has been a noticeable reduction in corruption and abuse within these facilities, with no reported cases of torture by staff during the first half of 2024.
Beyond the technological aspects, the surveillance initiative also focuses on equipping prison staff with the necessary training and tools to utilize the system effectively, aiming for proactive incident management and fostering a culture of accountability. The project emphasizes inmate rehabilitation by creating better physical, psychological, and social conditions within the correctional facilities.
Prior to this implementation, prisons struggled with outdated and poorly maintained surveillance systems that hindered monitoring capabilities. The Minister of Internal Affairs established a centralized infrastructure for secure video transmission to a central Situation Center, enhancing data integrity and privacy while ensuring continuous video monitoring.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan plans to integrate advanced algorithms for even greater object and event recognition capabilities and to connect the surveillance system to other IT infrastructures for access control. This pioneering endeavor offers invaluable insights for other countries seeking to modernize their correctional facilities and align with global standards of safety and inmate welfare.
For further detail on this initiative, including strategies and impacts, you can explore the full report: Global Trends in Digital Transformation of Correctional Facilities: The Value of Video Surveillance.