Detroit police adding facial recognition to video crime monitoring program

Detroit police are adding facial recognition software into the department’s Project Green Light video crime monitoring program.

Project Green Light launched last year in neighborhood gas stations to help deter and solve crimes. Participating businesses invest to equip their stations with high-definition interior and exterior video cameras, enhanced lighting systems, a highly visible green light and signs. The partnership links the live video feed from each of the stores to the Detroit Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.

According to a report by The Detroit News, the department signed a $1 million, three-year contract with Data Works Plus LLC which allows use of the software, technical support and maintenance.

Police will use the software to compare violent crime suspects against driver’s license photos, pictures on social media posts, mugshots and other public databases.

Police regulations disallow anyone from using the technology for anything other than investigating a violent crime.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  police  |  video surveillance