BiometricsPolice’s facial recognition program becomes a political issue in Ohio

Attorney General Mike DeWine of Ohio confirmed last week that local and state law enforcement have used facial recognition software since June of this year to match images of potential suspects and victims to pictures on the state’s drivers’ licenses and mug shots.

The Republic reports that the program has issued 2,677 searches in Ohio since 6 June. DeWine told reporters that he did not think public notification of the program was necessary since the program had been discussed with law enforcement agencies before the program’s initiation. According to DeWine, since law enforcement has had prior access to photos and records from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “it’s a natural extension of what law enforcement has done in the past.”

Acknowledging that it would have been best if a public notice of the program was issued before or at the time of the program’s initiation, DeWine has appointed a task force to review the program and recommend safeguards. DeWine defended the program for saving lives and solving crimes, “For us not to do this, would be a dereliction of our duty to the people of the state of Ohio to protect them,” he said

The issue has become political for DeWine, a Republican, who faces re-election next year. David Pepper, Democratic challenger for the Attorney General’s office, has criticized DeWine for the late revelation of the program. “It is highly irresponsible for the Attorney General of Ohio to launch something this expansive and this intrusive into the lives of law-abiding citizens without ensuring the proper protocols were already in place to protect our privacy,” Pepper said in a written statement.

Despite the claim for infringing upon privacy of the public, DeWine said he felt confident that state laws protects against misuse of the facial recognition program. The Republic notes that the task force appointed to review the program is set to report on its findings and recommendations in sixty days.