Police using augmented reality jumps straight out of science fiction. Image source: ‘Robocop’
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California is in talks with Apple to find a way to implement Apple Vision Pro for surveillance monitoring, and eventually, a tool for patrolling officers.
Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s spatial computing device that combines the aspects of Augmented Reality (AR), viewing interfaces on the real world, and Virtual Reality (VR), viewing data through a head-mounted display. Police hope to use the device to replace the many expensive monitors and computer systems used to monitor surveillance data.
According to a report from Forbes, Orange County is in communication with Apple over using the headset, and perhaps even implementing CarPlay in police cruisers. Orange County Sheriff’s Department CIO Dave Fontneau shared details of the plan and what he hopes may come from it.
The police department had demoed the headset in August to test the possibility of adding it to the Real-Time Operations Center. Fontneau was among the officers that tried the experience.
“I was able to put on the headset and transport myself into the environment and manipulate different aspects,” Fontneau said. “I was able to manipulate maps and bring them up in a 3D environment, move assets, place officers in vehicles, and manipulate camera feeds. It was eye opening.”
He commented that the headset is still too heavy for patrol use in the streets, but Apple allegedly told him a lighter version was coming. It is highly uncharacteristic of Apple to share such details, but rumors suggest a lighter version is indeed coming.
A police officer in the 2010 game ‘Heavy Rain’ used augmented reality for investigations
The current surveillance use case would enable officers to sit at a desk and view collected data and manipulate it while conducting an investigation. A lighter version would potentially allow police to wear the headset on patrols and receive a live feed of information about an area or crime.
The concept is straight out of science fiction, which has been reflected in many titles like “Robocop” and the video game “Heavy Rain.” The ability to use AR to solve crimes is certainly compelling.
The idea has drawn attention from other police departments. An X post from investigative journalist Joey Scott shows the LA Police Foundation confirmed $20k would be spent on Apple Vision Pros for enhanced surveillance and monitoring.
LAPD wants to approve a gift from the LA Police Foundation for $20k worth of Apple Vision Pros. They will be used in their real-time crime center for surveillance. They will view multiple surveillance camera feeds, virtual briefings, and examine evidence. pic.twitter.com/D5QMlyDygH
— Joey Scott (@joeyneverjoe) July 27, 2024
Apple Vision Pro hasn’t been a blockbuster hit like iPad or Apple Watch, but it has helped renew interest in AR, VR, and its applications. A second-generation Apple Vision Pro may be more than a year away, but that product could make or break the platform.
In the meantime, don’t expect to see police wandering around with Apple’s expensive goggles. Though now the idea of a police procedural recorded in immersive video is suddenly in the front of our minds.
