Is the New Orleans Police Department's use of facial recognition software in criminal investigations a bust? An examination of data by Politico finds the technology used very seldom, and only leading to one arrest.
New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says that is in part by design.
"It was never intended to be used as a primary tool, but as a tool of last resort," Goyeneche told WWL's Newell Normans.
When the New Orleans City Council lifted its ban on using facial recognition software, it put in place several rules to prevent possible abuses by authorities. Goyeneche says those rules are the reason why the NOPD has not been embarrassed by false arrests as a result.
The ordinance only allows NOPD detectives to request access to Louisiana State Police's facial recognition database when investigating violent crimes.
"It can't be applied to property crimes and drug crimes," Goyeneche explained, "only 47 specific offenses that had been deemed by Louisiana law to be crimes of violence."
And Goyeneche said the ordinance is specific that there must be corroborating evidence, and a match via facial recognition software alone is not probable cause to make an arrest.
The Politico article notes that NOPD's use of facial recognition software has not led to any false arrests.
