Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to deploy advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology across its extensive CCTV network to detect knives and aggressive behaviour in real-time. The move is part of a £3.2 million investment in upgrading the borough's surveillance capabilities.
The AI modules are being integrated into approximately 2,300 cameras, with a focus on enhancing proactive detection of incidents. This technology aims to identify potential threats such as visible knives and aggressive behaviour, alerting operatives to intervene more swiftly.
During a Community Safety Board meeting on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, Justin Hunt, Interim Assistant Director of Community Safety, explained that the AI for knife and aggressive behaviour detection is considered less prone to bias than facial recognition technology, which is still under exploration. Councillor David Campbell had raised concerns about the potential for AI discrimination, but Mr. Hunt clarified that the current AI applications are designed to be more objective.
The AI system for knife detection has already undergone successful piloting, and the council anticipates it will be operational on 50% of street-based cameras within weeks. The AI for knife detection is expected to go live in the next few weeks, with 50% of street-based cameras already AI-enabled. The council is in the process of upgrading and introducing the software for these cameras.
Beyond visible knives, the AI will also be trained to detect aggressive behaviour. Mr. Hunt stated that whilst the AI, I think, needs a bit of development around the training on that. Ultimately, it is also working relatively well. And what I mean by that is that if out of all the cameras that are going to be fitted with this, if there are a group of people who are behaving in an aggressive way, it will alert the operative to be able to identify that situation.
The investment also includes multi-sensory cameras, integrated speaker and lighting systems, and additional cameras in parks and green spaces. This technological upgrade is intended to improve operational efficiency and enhance the council's ability to respond to emerging safety concerns across the borough.
Further details on the council's safety initiatives can be found in the Public reports pack for the Community Safety Board meeting on 14 July 2026. The Agenda frontsheet for the same meeting is also available.
