Crime

Are U.S. Cops Preparing Widespread Use of Facial Recognition iPhone?

Starting as early as September, cops across the country  may be using a new iphone-based device to identify people based on a picture of their face,  iris scan, or a fingerprint reader, raising concerns about how the data will be gathered, stored, and used.

Are U.S. Cops Preparing Widespread Use of Facial Recognition iPhone?

The device in question is called the MORIS,  which stands for Mobile Offender Recognition and Information System. Made by BI2 Technologies of Plymouth, Mass, it runs on the iphone platform. The company states that it has contracts with 40 government agencies to deliver 1,000 devices this fall.

Unlike other currently used biometric technologies, the MORIS does not require a separate digital camera or upload time, and automatically scans known databases for criminal warrants and other relevant history. The Wall Street Journal gives specifics on how this new device works:

“To scan a person’s iris, police officers can hold the special iris-scanning camera on device, called MORIS, about 5 to 6 inches away from an individual’s irises. After snapping a high resolution photo, the MORIS system analyzes 235 unique features in each iris and uses an algorithm to match that person with their identity if they are in the database.”

“For the facial recognition, an officer takes a photo of a person at a distance of about 2 feet to 5 feet. Based on technologies from Animetrics Inc., the system analyzes about 130 distinguishing points on the face, such as the distance between a person’s eye and nose. It then scans the database for likely matches.”

As for the usage of the devices, the law does not appear settled on whether police need consent to take a person’s photo.  Generally speaking, the law does not prohibit taking photos of people in a public place. But taking and storing photos for law enforcement purposes- particularly if the subject is in custody- could trigger a different standard of rules. The law becomes even more vague on issues such as whether an iris scan constitutes a search.

Below is a video presentation for the Brockton Police Department showing facial recognition and iris scanning technologies that have been demoed and will soon be in use by various law enforcement units in Massachusetts. The presenters show the devices, discuss the database, and describe the features designed to help law enforcement officers.

US Troops overseas have used a variety of biometric tools for years to vet allies and identify insurgents and terrorists. But the MORIS is poised to become the first widespread, mobile usage of such technology here in the US by local and federal law enforcement.

Law enforcement analysts believe the device could prevent the wrong inmates from obtaining prison release, to identify accident victims and keep track of the homeless. While there are many privacy and civil liberties concerns associated with law enforcement’s widespread use of facial recognition devices, the landscape of biometrics is already rapidly changing with programs such as Facebook Facial Recognition:

Comments (73)

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  • Ranubis
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 2:40am

    this sh*t is starting to scare crap out of me

    Report Post » Ranubis  
    • ArmedPrincess
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:52am

      RANUBIS

      Turn that fear into something useful friend. Water, Food, 5.56 nato rounds. Better a day on your feet than a lifetime on your knees..Lol, that sounds funny coming from a woman! HA!!!

      Report Post » ArmedPrincess  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 8:48am

      looks like orwell’s 1984 was just a couple of decades laters…..hmmmm

      Report Post »  
    • De minimus
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 9:30am

      Now what would scare you about a government that wants to lock you down, categorize, classify, re-educate and manage you? Forget that they are throwing away the constitution and bill of rights to do it. Why would that bother you?

      Remember that the government “needs to do it for emergency security reasons” the courts will uphold it because “government has to be able to do it for emergency security reasons” and the officer who does it will do it because “her or she needs their job and are just following orders because of the emergency security reasons”.

      They have to take your rights away and destroy the constitution and bill of rights so that they can save them.

      Report Post » De minimus  
    • Ranubis
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 12:56pm

      @ArmedPrincess

      Thanks, and yes I do have all that…but I prefer 7.62, guess being an old m60 gunner…well some thing just aint gonna change!

      Report Post » Ranubis  
    • meamerican
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:35pm

      Can the people also have these devices so we can track the local law enforcement?

      Report Post » meamerican  
    • Tyson
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:56pm

      Growing closer to that time where No quarter shall be given to the enemy of our freedoms! Made two investments in precious metals, 20 rounds of silver bullion and 500 rounds of brass covered lead 5.56.

      Report Post » Tyson  
    • Mike B
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 9:47pm

      Me too. My family is at risk. Big gov is TOO BIG GOV. Please let us take back our rights, our privacy.

      Report Post »  
  • longun45
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 2:36am

    If the data base is as well kept as many of the other data bases kept by the government – the hackers will have it soon, and it will be totally screwed up.

    Report Post »  
    • ozz
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:25am

      This is not 2011 this 1984.

      Report Post » ozz  
    • loriann12
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 6:37am

      @Ozz, you stole my thunder, that’s exactly what I was thinking.

      Report Post »  
  • ME
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 2:08am

    That thin blue thread that keeps us safe is looking more and more like a noose to even the dumbest Americans.

    Report Post » ME  
    • Delta D-5-3
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 9:54am

      NO PROBLEM people! Remember, they have to be close to you to do this. Most likly that would be a traffic stop. Sooo…….IF you get stopped, put on a pair of sunglasses!! VERY SIMPLE!!! That‘s EXACTLY what i’m going to do if stopped. EVEN AT NIGHT! If the officer asks why i’m wearing sunglasses at night, I’ll tell him why. They CAN NOT tell you to remove them! There was a story on the Blaze a few days ago about the little “pocket” cameras Police are using in some states to photograph “suspects”. I suspect they’ll use these “pocket” cameras to take the picture, and have it hooked up to the device (I phone) and YOU WON’T even be aware that you now have a “file ”started” on you. Remember, they don’t need your permission. So, bottom line is, wear your sunglasses if stopped, and your rights won’t be trampled. Hope this helps!!!!

      Report Post » Delta D-5-3  
  • Encinon
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:45am

    I know it must be easy to mock the light bulb issue, but even a lib like myself can see the obvious issue when a government starts deciding what types of products can be sold on the open market (please don’t compare to narcotics etc )

    Report Post »  
  • Cuthalu
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:40am

    And yet in many states WE are not allowed to video record them or take pictures of them. How is this fair, how is this just? We are NOT a free society any more.

    Report Post »  
  • Netsurfer2
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:36am

    What makes you think your are free when they know everything about you, where you go, where you live and everything you do. Do you really think any society is free anymore??? They forgot to point out that they (the government) are calling the shots now! Like the people really have a choice anymore and they are taking more away day by day, minute by minute! Do you really think you are free???

    About the only time I saw a city that does not sleep in America was Vegas. I went to China and saw many cities that do the same, only there you have advertising everywhere and it is always clean! People enjoy the night life and are friendly. You may disagree with me, but you have to go there to experience like I did several of times. I love Japan also, Tokyo is a cool place to enjoy!

    In America I always see restrictions and yet many American’s including myself want freedom from our oppressive money making government. For instance, you go to the social security office and you pay to park your car??? It is so crazy when the land is public! We are taxed like crazy here! Everything in our government wants more money from us. Now don’t get me wrong, I like how our government has laws and is set up. I like that we vote. I like that we do have a choice! But we have gotten away from the original ideas that the founders had!

    Report Post » Netsurfer2  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 2:59am

      You are exactly right. Drive down the highway and look at the little spy cameras every mile or so. They sit high up on a pole and have the little red domes facing downward. They so fear us they are trying to watch and control every aspect of our movements and networking. They know that the gig is up and they are turning the screws tighter and tighter.

      Report Post »  
    • Snappingturtle
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 8:47am

      If the city you live in is set up to pinpoint gun shots then there are listening devices. I think they are on top of light posts. Who knows what they can pick up with these devices?

      Report Post » Snappingturtle  
  • BmanIII
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:30am

    the article says: “It then scans the database for likely matches.”

    hmmm…

    How many people “likely match” known criminals. How likely will it be for grandma to be a “likely match” for the Ma-Barker look alike down the skreet???

    Report Post »  
  • blue suede
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:25am

    It will be legal in every state except Arizona.

    I don’t get it. Aren’t prisons already dumping their over population of inmates by the thousands? Then why use this invasive tool in law enforcement since it’s just going to dig up all those same ex-cons with relevant history, then we’ll have to put em right back in again. Are we going in circles again?

    Report Post »  
  • positive1
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 1:20am

    I’m fine with it, as long as any government official that i come in contact with, first provides my iphone with their identity. After all, they work for us!!!

    Report Post »  
  • jb.kibs
    Posted on July 14, 2011 at 12:14am

    this is just plain stupid. now i know there will be blood spilled someday in the near future, over this government, if they don’t cease this invasive “control freak” behaviour… mature people are not going to take being parented like this for much longer.

    Report Post »  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:20pm

    Biometrics is already in use at select locations & w/ certain agencies here in the USA & has been for while.

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
  • olddog
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:01pm

    The TSA can’t profile but the cops can use these pics. Someone please explain the difference????

    Report Post » olddog  
  • country_hick
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:45pm

    “and automatically scans known databases for criminal warrants and other relevant history.”

    What does the term “relevant history” mean?

    If it means that these devices are going to be deployed on the streets and they will have the capability of doing an Interstate criminal history check through NCIC I have several questions;

    Is each “operator” going to be certified to FBI standards?
    How are the devices going to be locked to prevent unauthorized access?
    How is an audit trail going to be maintained with the proper purpose codes?

    Report Post »  
    • CLEAR_BLUE_SKY
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:23pm

      This device is to be used only for law enforcement and those are guys are properly trained. Unless you have an access to a biometric database you can’t do anything with this device.

      Report Post »  
    • Inbred Jed
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:24pm

      I would bet “relevant history” will be something along the lines of prior convictions etc. Hence it will provide “probable cause” for a vehicle search in a traffic stop much like when they call in canines and they signal the presence of contraband in a vehicle. Just one more nudge of our liberties thourgh a reglatory action and not a law. Go friggin figure..

      Report Post » Inbred Jed  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on July 14, 2011 at 3:06am

      Wrong-“relavent history” means they find out who you are and then compare that info with intercepted emails, phone calls and internet browsing tracings to see if you are a comrade KoolAid drinker or an “enemy of the state”. That is what “relavent history” really means.

      Report Post »  
  • sillyfreshness
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:39pm

    Police can take your photo, but you can’t take their photo as they are assaulting someone or drawing a gun on someone. Just more big brother. I hate to imagine what life will be like here in 15 years. It will be just like Orwell’s 1984.

    Report Post » sillyfreshness  
  • Eraldo NY Tea Party
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:33pm

    big brother big time.

    We need jobs in NYC

    People are getting angry on streets mac-fights, i-hop- fights for nothing

    No jobs just problems

    Report Post » Eraldo NY Tea Party  
  • the_ancient
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:17pm

    People seem to miss the 5th amendment as well as the 4th amendment… DNA, Iris Scans and other items to me also violate the 5th amendment protection of not forcing someone to provide evidence or testimony against ones self…

    Report Post » the_ancient  
    • Inbred Jed
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:26pm

      I agree but good luck selling that to a judge or magistrate. The system has become too big and is really interested in revenue generation more than anything else.

      Report Post » Inbred Jed  
  • bigZ
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:57pm

    Come on now this is not really on the priority list! I mean illegal Mexicans, drugs,ect… no.. no.. we need to be focused on the real issues…. LIGHT BULBS!!!!

    Report Post » bigZ  
  • Judeo_Christian
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:38pm

    The 4th amendment is passe. The Constitution is Quaint. This IPhone App won‘t hurt anyone’s civil liberties…And I have Ocean Front property here in Kansas!

    Good Grief!

    Report Post » Judeo_Christian  
  • lonewolf57
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:34pm

    There’s a scrambling device for MORIS.Wheres there’s anti-FREEDOM,there is also counter measures.Much simpler than you’d ever think!

    Report Post » lonewolf57  
  • 101
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:19pm

    Scan Eric Holder for “Fast & Furious” DOJ’s gun running operation (selling guns to Mexican drug cartels)

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 10:26pm

      I agree .. I want to hear more about the investigation into $10 Million of STIMULUS money buying guns and running them into Mexico (drug runners) and Hondurus (M-13) … where is this going .. Fast and FuriousGATE!

      Report Post »  
  • TaunTaun
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:15pm

    Hmmm…

    I’m waiting for Democrats to oppose this. This would require actually doing something with the information. And that’s more important than any privacy invasion concerns to them.

    Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:13pm

    They can only take straight on shots…no profiling will be allowed.

    Report Post »  
  • Spikey_Dude
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:02pm

    George Orwell?

    Report Post »  
  • GRAMPA-D-NH
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:01pm

    I’m getting a Burka.

    Report Post » GRAMPA-D-NH  
  • republapig
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:00pm

    For everyone except illegal mexicans

    Report Post » republapig  
    • GRAMPA-D-NH
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:14pm

      If Obummer and Holder had it there way, they’d be escorted to the nearest DMV to secure drivers license, register to vote, and handed an unregistered assault weapons. What am I thinking – they’re already doing it!

      Report Post » GRAMPA-D-NH  
    • bigZ
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 9:49pm

      Come on now we don’t even have a database big enough to handle that kind
      of problem! .. what we really need to focus on….. is …LIGHT BULBS!!!!!

      Report Post » bigZ  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on July 13, 2011 at 11:17pm

      99% of blazers love pigs. I guess because beck says it’s leftist to despise an unconstitutional, permanent standing army. You all get what you deserve.

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
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