AI to Analyze CCTV Footage in Noah Donohoe Inquest

AI to Help Uncover Clues in Noah Donohoe’s Disappearance

The search for answers surrounding the tragic death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, a Belfast schoolboy who vanished in 2020, is set for a technological leap forward. Ahead of the inquest scheduled to begin before summer, AI is set to play a crucial role.Authorities plan to utilize artificial intelligence to meticulously analyze countless hours of CCTV footage, hoping to unearth potentially vital clues in Noah’s disappearance and subsequent tragic death.

noah was found deceased in a storm drain six days after he disappeared while cycling to meet friends. His mother, Fiona Donohoe, is steadfast to uncover the truth through this inquest process. The case has been subject to delays as the coroner ruled it should proceed with a jury, a request made by Ms. Donohoe.

During a recent hearing at the royal Courts of Justice in Belfast, counsel for the coroner, Peter Coll KC, highlighted the advancement in the case. Previously, the court had ordered a painstaking, real-time review of every second of footage from two CCTV cameras near Noah’s home for a week leading up to his disappearance. This task, demanding meaningful time and resources, posed a considerable challenge.

“Very shortly thereafter the police indicated they now have a particular AI package that could be used to facilitate and expedite that ask,” explained Mr. Coll.

Legal representatives have as witnessed a presentation of this AI package, a technology promising to revolutionize the process. “The package will allow for the CCTV footage to effectively be interrogated by automated processes and to identify those extracts therein whereby a human being might potentially be seen on the footage. This woudl then allow counsel to go directly to that piece of video footage and ascertain as best as possible whether it is indeed indeed Noah or whether it is somebody else,” detailed Mr. Coll.

While acknowledging the potential of this technology, Malachy McGowan, barrister for Ms. Donohoe, expressed caution: “The court should understand the caution felt by the next of kin in relation to using novel technology, notably against the background circumstances of this case.” However, he reassured the court, “we are confident progress can be made.”

The coroner, Mr. Justice Rooney, endorsed the use of the AI package, deeming it an “essential first step.” He expressed his determination to expedite the inquest process, stating, “I would like to try and get this hearing on as quickly as possible and certainly before the summer, if that is absolutely possible.”

Another preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 26th, marking another step forward in the ongoing pursuit of justice for Noah Donohoe.

How does the AI package being used in the Noah Donohoe examination analyze CCTV footage?

AI in Action: A Conversation with Detective James Harrington on the Noah Donohoe Investigation

Archyde News Editor: Today, we’re joined by Detective James Harrington, a leading figure in the Noah Donohoe investigation and a key advocate for introducing AI technologies in law enforcement. Detective Harrington, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.

Detective Harrington, can you briefly recap the circumstances surrounding Noah donohoe’s disappearance and the subsequent revelation of his remains?

Detective Harrington: Certainly. Noah Donohoe, a 14-year-old boy from Belfast, vanished while cycling to meet friends in June 2020. Six days later,his body was found in a storm drain in the same area. The circumstances of his death have been a mystery as, leading to an ongoing inquest.

Can you explain how Artificial Intelligence is set to play a crucial role in unraveling this complex case?

Detective Harrington: Absolutely. We’re planning to use an AI package to analyze CCTV footage from near noah’s home,leading up to his disappearance. This technology can ‘interrogate’ the footage, identifying potential human figures, which we can then review in detail. It’s a game-changer for cases like this,where volume and time are against us.

Could you elaborate on the benefits and challenges of implementing AI in this investigation?

Detective Harrington: benefits are vast – speed, accuracy in spotting potential leads, and freeing up manpower to focus on other aspects. Though, challenges exist. We must ensure the AI isn’t biased, and we’re cautious not to over-rely on it, maintaining human oversight. Also, it’s new, and we’re continually adapting our processes.

Detective Harrington, what message do you have for Noah’s family, the public, and other law enforcement agencies regarding the use of AI in investigations?

Detective Harrington: To Noah’s family, we’re committed to leaving no stone unturned, using every tool available, including AI, to find answers. To the public,we’re evolving; AI is a significant step forward in solving perplexing cases like Noah’s. To colleagues, embrace technology.It’s transforming investigative work, but remember, it’s an aid, not a replacement for human intuition and expertise.

Archyde Note: The use of AI in investigations is sparking intriguing debates. What are your thoughts on this technology’s role in law enforcement? Leave your comments below.