Towards a 5G Equipped Video Surveillance UAV for Public Safety

South Africa faces a severe crime problem, with persistent issues such as murder, hijacking, and CIT heists. This research examines existing surveillance strategies, including UAVs, and identifies their limitations. To address these shortcomings, we propose a novel solution that leverages 5G technology to enhance UAV capabilities, offering low latency and high bandwidth for improved surveillance. Our solution introduces a hybrid-VTOL surveillance UAV integrated with predictive policing techniques. Machine learning algorithms and statistical analysis will be employed to forecast crime-prone areas, enabling strategic UAV deployment. We will develop and evaluate this solution utilizing a CSIR-developed 5G testbed, focusing on Quality of Service (QoS) metrics. A UAV equipped with a 4K camera will act as User Equipment (UE), with functionality assessments carried out from a ground control station (GCS). Key performance indicators like RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), RSSI (Reference Signal Strength Indicator), packet loss, throughput, and control latency will measure the solution's effectiveness and its potential to make a positive impact on societal safety.