FORT MILL, S.C. — The York County Sheriff's Office is using artificial intelligence to seek solutions for heavy event traffic.
Law enforcement agencies across the United States have been working with Fort Mill-based EPIC iO to improve traffic safety during large events. The company's security cameras are equipped with artificial intelligence that sends real-time data to officers monitoring traffic.
YCSO plans to use the AI cameras for Carowinds' Fourth of July celebration, which is expected to attract around 60,000 people. The goal is to help traffic run smoother outside the park and respond to incidents quicker.
"Usually this artery here takes two to three hours for cars to be leaving as the event finishes," president of EPIC iO Mario Campos said while standing on Avenue of the Carolinas. It's a street just off Carowinds Boulevard that connects to the park.
For the first time, EPIC iO's security cameras are stationed on streets outside Carowinds. The technology sends information like car counts, people counts, stopped cars, and people jaywalking to the York County Sheriff’s Office.
"The system is constantly analyzing the data [to] see the best outcome it can produce so agencies use that to better accommodate resources," Campos explained.
The company’s artificial intelligence helps law enforcement agencies find the best ways to guide traffic and watch for issues so they can respond quickly.
The bigger picture, Campos explained, is helping agencies achieve Vision Zero.
"The goal is to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero by 2030," said Campos. "To do that, we’re using AI and providing AI to public safety so they can leverage that and get to their goal."
Many people are skeptical about AI. Campos said EPIC iO works to educate the public about its services to debunk myths and help law enforcement amid staff shortages.
"When people think of AI, they think of facial recognition, or big brother mentality right? But it's contrary to that," Campos said. "We’re providing tools that public safety agencies are using to prevent crime, with limited resources and budgets always shrinking."
EPIC iO is partnering with York County and Fort Mill for free in hopes of building a relationship in the future.
A Fort Mill spokesperson said leaders were pleased with how the company helped mitigate traffic for the town's strawberry festival and are discussing the possibility of making the partnership official.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.