Is Facial Recognition Part of AI's Future in Law Enforcement?

AI is a powerful tool when it comes to crime-solving and identifying perpetrators who can then be tested in court due to digital evidence presented via face detection and auto-tagging. The main function of face detection software is to capture footage or evidence about a suspicious individual or group of people law enforcement agencies may be inspecting. Despite there being bystanders providing their testimonies, AI’s unfiltered attestation via cameras/facial recognition authenticates the matter in question, providing photo or video evidence which can also be used to make a case – or solve a case. When working in the field of law enforcement DEMS technology provides solutions to problems in the world of crime-fighting, with features that can ease the burden on police officers, enabling them to focus on fieldwork.

With resources that store, manage and analyze digital evidence, a few of these features include:

• Facial and Object Recognition Automatic Transcription (if needed) Storing and monitoring digital evidence collected by body-worn and dash-cams/CCTV/drone surveillance - making tracking locations much easier by being able to pinpoint the timeframe and area
• Auto-Tagging
• Redaction software can be useful when protecting the privacy of witnesses and innocent bystanders.

With the influx of technological evolution taking place in contemporary society, the process of identifying illegal activity has become simpler, with the police having both the autonomy and ability to access all security footage and data, making them aware of any forthcoming or lurking threats or any trouble brewing. Advancements in software such as face detection software enable it to better serve law enforcement bodies, in a realistic timeframe by recording all digital evidence and storing it as it is happening. Surveillance is a key factor in tracking down petty theft, criminals, and even terrorists by identifying human faces and features through AI.

Face Detection in the Digital World

With organizations such as Facebook removing its facial recognition software, opinions are conflicted, with the move entailing that Facebook – which owns Instagram and WhatsApp, is unable to access user information/data, making it unable to use auto-tagging or identity verification. Although AI technology has been the talk of the town for some time now, its features have created an automated workflow for law-governing bodies, making it possible to keep order and monitor the increase of digital evidence.

When it comes to social media some people may find it uncomfortable to think that their information or data is public, which also means their videos, photos and personal data could be of public knowledge. But when it comes to digital evidence management and the law, software such as face detection or strictly police facial recognition is a tool in keeping the environment safe from any peril. With cameras and CCTV being able to be vigilant all the time, including odd hours, the police and other law governing parties can take on more cases and more challenges, upping the crime-solving rate. The amount of evidence stored is far more reliable than a human being’s memory which could be easily distorted, the facial and object recognition software keeps the information relevant and consistent, tracking down all activity that occurs and where and how.

Social media and law enforcement are worlds apart, with the latter being more focused on using the AI to help them when solving cases and preventing illegal activity, whereas the prior is more concerned with privacy on Facebook, or Instagram, tagging friends or having a social website be aware of our personal data, which is completely irrelevant to the police or judiciary. When it comes to security, with facial recognition devices, organizations use surveillance for events, sports stadiums, in malls, at the office, at banks, etc. The scope is unlimited as AI has made it possible to provide insights and analytics which give an idea as to what crime is committed, where, how, by who, and why – the facts are exposed and unavoidable with the latest technology paving the way for innovative solutions.

Why Do We Need Facial Recognition?

In contemporary society, it is important to highlight relevant issues law enforcement agents face when trying to keep order and collect evidence for investigations, cases, etc. When a crime is committed, whether it be petty theft, homicide – any illegal activity, it is important that the evidence is reliable, as it is used to determine the outcome of a case. With face detection software police officials can track down criminals without having to go through many of the complexities that previously existed (and still do to some degree). Here are a few reasons facial recognition is necessary:

• Recognizing potential perpetrators/threats, as witnesses cannot always recall what they may or may not have seen.
• Helps find missing people. With face recognition identifying individuals through surveillance footage makes it possible to narrow down searches and close missing persons cases.
• Businesses can monitor activity to safeguard themselves against robberies as facial detection software can intimidate criminals and bring them to justice
• AI makes the process easier with automatic recognition that does not require direct human or physical contact – an essential measure that needs to be taken since the outbreak of COVID-19
• Makes crowded environments safer by providing added security protocol – at airports, shopping malls, banks, etc.

Technology is imperfect and is not always 100 percent reliable, but the reasons facial recognition has become an asset in the modern world outweigh any concerns that may arise due to the AI feature. The role facial recognition plays in assisting law enforcement makes it a crucial element in combating crime today, and in the foreseeable future.

Is the Future AI?

AI provides answers to very real problems in today’s digital world. By using efficient methods and technology such as facial recognition to make preventing crime easier, AI has changed the way we perceive many things, and how we deal with them. For example, criminals may be warier after knowing there are devices in place, recording footage, or certain patterns of behavior can be identified with the help of advanced technologies. By granting law enforcement the access needed to execute solutions such as crime-solving tactics, identifying relevant parties under investigation, and keeping an eye on suspicious situations, the need for facial detection software is emphasized and essential.

For more information regarding VIDIZMO's AI or facial recognition you can visit our DEMS (Digital Evidence Management) section.