Photo: Minister of the Interior Roman Poseck, Frankfurt Police President Stefan Müller, Vice President Bodo Koch and Project Manager Simon Karlsson present the new AI-supported video surveillance technology at the Frankfurt Police Headquarters. © HMdI
Minister of the Interior Poseck presents innovative technology for police hazard prevention
Hesse is breaking new ground in the use of modern security technologies: Minister of the Interior Roman Poseck, together with leading representatives of the Hesse police force, presented AI-supported video analysis, which is now being tested in Frankfurt’s railway station district. The aim of the new technology is to support the police in searching for missing persons and victims of violent crimes, as well as in averting terrorist threats. With the technical implementation of the police laws amended in 2024, Hesse is setting standards nationwide.
Increased efficiency through artificial intelligence
The new AI-supported video analysis enables the automated evaluation of large amounts of data, allowing police searches to be carried out more quickly and in a more targeted manner. ‘With the use of this new technology, we are reaching an important milestone for police work,’ emphasised Interior Minister Poseck. AI helps to identify wanted persons, such as missing children or young people, only after a court order has been issued. This ensures that its use remains legally secure and complies with data protection guidelines.
Hesse’s pioneering role in policing
Hesse is the first federal state to create the legal basis for the use of AI in video surveillance systems. Since the start of trial operations in July 2025, the systems have been in use in Frankfurt’s railway station district – an area with high crime prevention relevance. The technology also allows for the targeted search for perpetrators of terrorist crimes in order to identify and avert potential dangers at an early stage.
Rule of law and data protection as key guiding principles
The introduction of AI-supported video surveillance is carried out in strict compliance with the principles of the rule of law. The technology supports the police, but never replaces human decision-making. In close consultation with the Hessian Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, regulations have been established governing the circumstances and scope in which AI may be used.
Outlook: Extended functions for the future
The next phase of development will focus on object recognition, particularly for identifying weapons and dangerous objects. The plan is to deploy the extended technology at the end of the year to further increase security in Frankfurt’s station district.
With AI-supported video analysis, Hesse is opening a new chapter in public safety: efficient searches, faster response times and preventive measures are combined with the principles of the rule of law and data protection. The pilot phase in Frankfurt’s railway station district marks a nationwide advance into the future of police security work.
