OH Started Using Driver’s License Photos For Facial Recognition Software

More than two months ago, Ohio law enforcement officers began using facial recognition technology, scanning databases of driver’s license photos and mug shots to identify crime suspects. The Cinncinnati Enquirer reports that this was all done without first informing the public, and without reviewing security rules for the system.

The Enquirer reviewed hundreds of emails and memos, in which they learned that after launching the system, officials from Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office weighed what new security protocols to establish for the law enforcement database, and questioned when they would be ready to tell the public about it. Officials also disagreed about whether the system was in beta testing or in a full launch.

The system launched on June 6, without the knowledge of the attorney general and or his chief operating officer, and just two weeks into its use top officials began debating whether to turn it off. COO Kimberly Murnieks requested it be turned off upon learning about it, and questioned who approved it to go “live.”

Apparently, the decision to turn on the software was an IT decision. The software had been in development for three years, and when it was finally read, IT turned it on and made it live.

Law enforcement officers have performed 2,600 searches using the new database feature, which is designed to analyze a snapshop or security camera image and identify the person by matching the photo with his or her driver’s license or police mug shot.

DeWine said that he did not think that the public needed to be informed about the launch of the new facial recognition software and how their driver’s licenses photos were being used because 26 other stats have facial recognition databases.

DeWine is now creating an advisory group of judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officials who will make recommendations for updated rules about the system’s use. He is announcing the facial recognition system publicly, as well as the advisory group, this morning in Columbus.

Police officers have long been able to look up suspect’s driver’s license photos and mug shots, however the facial recognition system opens up new ways for misuse, despite offering new ways to solve crimes.

Source:

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21253

The article OH Started Using Driver’s License Photos For Facial Recognition Software published by TheSleuthJournal – Real News Without Synthetics