Michigan’s law enforcement officers have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) facial recognition technology to bust scam operations in Pennsylvania, successfully recovering USD 20,000 in fraudulent bank withdrawals.
The suspect, identified through Clearview’s 1-N facial recognition system, had fraudulently withdrawn the funds from a Macatawa bank account using a doctored passport.
Clearview’s biometric database, containing over 50 billion images, matched the suspect to the surveillance footage provided by Macatawa bank, significantly speeding up the identification process.
This facial identification led to the arrest of four men and two women in Pennsylvania, who had previously targeted other local banks in Byron Center and Grand Rapids.
Adopting the Responsible Use of AI
Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir highlighted the responsible use of AI in law enforcement, stating, “The police have to use the technologies that are available to us in a legal, ethical, and appropriate way to make sure we identify these criminals targeting our community.”
Muir emphasized the importance of strict ethical standards, policies, procedures, and retention schedules to ensure this technology is used based on reasonable suspicions.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office pays USD 2,500 annually for access to the facial recognition system, which is primarily used for identifying shoplifters and combatting retail theft. However, Prosecutor Chris Becker cautioned that while facial recognition is useful, it should be considered alongside other evidence.
Expanding the Use of AI in Other Counties
The adoption of facial recognition technology in law enforcement extends to DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in Memphis.
Clearview continues to expand in the United States despite facing regulatory blocks, including a recent order from the British Columbia Supreme Court prohibiting the company from collecting facial biometrics without consent and a €30 million fine enforced by Dutch regulators for alleged general data protection regulation (GDPR) violations.
Michigan’s case represents AI’s immense potential in solving complex and cross-state law enforcement operations, providing innovative solutions to ensure the community’s safety.