Leaders of a New Orleans crime watchdog would like the candidates for mayor to be more open about the use of technology that can spot wanted criminals and notify the cops.
The three candidates who participated in WWL-TV's debate -- Royce Duplessis, Helena Moreno, and Oliver Thomas -- all said they are not supportive of live facial recognition -- computers that can instantly get a match on people wanted for crimes and notify nearby law enforcement to intercept that person.
Greg Rusovich, chairman of the Metro Crime Commission, says the evidence does show it can be used fairly and without violating anyone's rights.
"We have done the research and the data shows that solve rates were increased," said Rusovich. "Those cameras were identifying, you know, being used to specifically identify solely known, wanted violent offenders."
Rusovich told WWL's Newell Normand it is a useful tool to help a depleted police department keep the public safe, and hopes the next mayor will come around to it.