Smart cities and innovation: video surveillance in the public security of Recife, Brazil

Abstract This paper analyzes the influence of government support on the implementation of video surveillance, one of the tools usable in smart cities, and the effect of this technology on the performance of public security in the city of Recife. With a qualitative approach, the study locus was the Integrated Center (CIODS), which encompasses the public security forces and provides the video monitoring service in Recife. Interviews were conducted with video surveillance operators. The results show that government support is essential; however, in Recife, it is understood as insufficient for the use of innovations in public security, especially concerning the technology analyzed here. It is concluded that integration between agencies in the video surveillance system favors the expansion and applicability of the concept of smart cities to Recife.