Cape Coral exploring AI cameras on trash trucks for code enforcement

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral city leaders are considering installing artificial intelligence-powered cameras on sanitation trucks to scan neighborhoods for possible code violations during their regular routes, aiming to save taxpayers money.

The city has around 31 code officers currently, working on identifying minor property issues and more significant violations.

"This is a more efficient way, so we can save taxpayers' money," said City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn.

While the city manager believes this initiative could save money, residents are concerned about the potential impact on code enforcement officers' jobs and the accuracy of the cameras.

"A camera could go one way, but we don't know what's on the side of the house, and it could reflect something else," said Cape Coral resident Cesar Estrella.

The city said, "The point of the discussion was to look for and consider alternative ways to do what a Code Officer can do, driving down the street, that are more efficient than hiring additional staff."

However, privacy concerns remain.

"Who's to say that they're not going to use that information for something else?" said Estrella.

"Who's getting a hold of it? And, how secure is it going to be?" said Cape Coral resident Timothy Rose.

Cybersecurity expert Evan Lutz emphasized the importance of safeguards

"I can only hope that the city will be implementing whatever kind of structures that are necessary to ensure that everything stays locally or that the data is being sent and processed in compliant manners," he said. "In general, AI is not the boogeyman that is going to completely upend society."

Councilmember Bill Steinke clarified that the cameras would not replace current code officers but would serve as a helpful tool. Again, this is just an idea, the city said.

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