In 2019, responding to the ongoing need for heightened security at high-risk football matches, Besiktas implemented AVA-X’s IRIS technology. This move came after the club significantly increased security measures in 2014, following a tragic incident, by installing 750 cameras in and around the stadium.
Background: Security Concerns in High-Risk Football Matches
The fierce rivalry between Besiktas and Fenerbahçe in Turkey has always been a magnet for massive crowds and heightened security concerns. The 2014 suicide bombings near a Besiktas match underscored the urgent necessity for advanced security measures. Initially responding with the installation of 750 cameras, Besiktas took a significant step forward in 2019 by integrating AVA-X’s IRIS facial recognition technology into their security protocol for matches, particularly against Fenerbahçe.
Strategic Implementation of IRIS for Enhanced Monitoring
This strategic implementation of IRIS was aimed at enhancing real-time monitoring and identification of spectators. The technology’s role was twofold: to scrutinize all attendees against a comprehensive database of known hooligans and individuals flagged for security reasons, and to provide swift, actionable intelligence to security personnel.
Real-Time Surveillance and Threat Preemption
At the forefront of this initiative was IRIS’s capability to process and analyze vast amounts of facial data with remarkable accuracy and speed. As fans entered the stadium, their faces were scanned and instantly cross-referenced with the hooligan database. This real-time surveillance was pivotal in preempting potential security threats, allowing for immediate intervention when necessary.
Impact: Transforming Matchday Security and Fan Confidence
The deployment of IRIS technology marked a turning point in the club’s approach to matchday security. The high efficiency and accuracy of the system not only enhanced the safety of the spectators but also restored confidence among the fans and the community. This reassurance was critical in shifting the atmosphere at the stadium, enabling Besiktas to move away from hosting ‘ghost matches’ – games played without spectators due to security threats.
Conclusion: The Role of AI in Public Security and Fan Experience
IRIS’s successful application in these high-profile football matches demonstrated its robustness in high-stakes, real-time crowd monitoring. The technology not only served as a crucial tool in ensuring matchday safety but also exemplified how AI-driven solutions could be effectively employed in complex, public environments to enhance security and fan experience.
