Police use facial recognition software to identify suspect in Florida

​Cutting-edge facial recognition technology is aiding law enforcement in suspect identification, as highlighted in a recent press release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Weekly Report release with incidents dated from December 15 through December 21, details that in Santa Rosa County, authorities analyzed footage from a game camera positioned over an unlawfully baited area within the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area.

Following the confiscation of the game camera and securing of a search warrant, facial recognition software successfully identified the individual captured on the camera.

Subsequent interviews led to the admission of guilt regarding the placement of bait around the camera and the officer issued the subject a notice to appear citation for the violation.

Although facial recognition software has been in use for over a decade within some Florida agencies, this incident underscores the controversial nature of its application within law enforcement agencies.
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The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports a growing implementation of facial recognition software in search operations, indicating that law enforcement is increasingly relying on facial recognition services offered by both commercial and nonprofit entities to aid in crime-solving efforts.