Implemented in RJ for New Year´s Eve, facial recognition cameras present failures. Already operational in 20 Brazilian states, the cameras have shown good performances at recognizing suspects amid the crowd during the event. From 31 December to 04 January, 4 people have been arrested with this system. However, at least two were wrongfully detained, showing that the system still has many limitations and room for improvement.
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How Does this System Work?
The technology can recognize people and car plates. Images are sent to the police OCC and the command car in case of a street event. Then, the software links the images to the warrants database.
If any irregularities, an alert is verified, police officers are informed and go on the spot to check on the suspect and bring him to a precinct for further checks. With this system, 4 persons have already been caught since New Year´s Eve events. However, when the images are compared to suspect files from the central program, the system can show its limitations.
A 64-year-old taxi driver was arrested with the help of the system as he did not pay the alimony.
The System Has Limitations
Despite the system’s potential to improve policing work, some limitations must be improved. For instance, a woman arrested on 3 January, in Copacabana, after being identified as a fugitive for robbery and crime association, had, in fact, already accomplished her time in prison. Her file had not been updated by the justice department. She remained wrongfully detained for 24 hours.
An Argentinian, who has been living in Brazil since 2014 was arrested in Copacabana for not fulfilling the terms of his conditional. However, his case had been filled.
Similar Incidents in Other States
Sergipe is also implementing a similar system but also has faced issues. A woman in Aracaju, the capital, was wrongfully arrested twice on the same day during a street party, as the system recognized her as a suspect.
