NCJ Number
170243
Date Published
1996
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Facial identification technology and its potential impact on crime control were studied by means of a futures study that focused on the history of identification systems, the nature and status of the technology, and privacy issues and developed a strategic plan and implementation strategies for use by California police.
Abstract
The research considered three issues: the establishment of a meaningful and comprehensive database through the coordination of existing database, concerns regarding video surveillance cameras and rights of access to the database, and the technology's potential impact on workplaces. It noted that facial recognition technology compares a real-time picture from a video camera to digital pictures in a computerized database to identify a person. This technology has the potential for both access security and the identification and apprehension of criminals. Several companies are currently researching neural network technology as a means of face recognition. In addition, a product called FACEit recognizes faces in live videos and compares them to faces contained in a database. Privacy issues regarding the use of this and related technologies must be resolved if the technology is to reach its full potential for law enforcement. The proposed strategic plan includes the development of a partnership between private industry and law enforcement to ensure the development of this technology. In addition, police agencies must collaborate to develop standardized databases. The California Department of Justice should be the project manager and the leader in a statewide task force to address the crucial issues and promote successful research and the implementation of this technology. 19 reference notes