Facial Recognition Technology The Way Of The Future

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday December 18, 2008

By MICHELLE HOCTOR

FACIAL recognition systems attached to police helmets and camera devices that detect abandoned packages are the way of the future in surveillance and crime-fighting, according to experts.

Wollongong local area commander Superintendent Wayne Dedden said police in Britain were trialling a facial recognition system that confirmed the identities of suspects by cross-checking the image against photographic records.

The system uses 692 facial measurements to identify a face.

"It means the net is well and truly closing on criminals," Mr Dedden said.

Wollongong City Centre general manager Paul Fanning said the technology installed in the city's CBD was state of the art.

The "internet protocol" system involves camera images being downloaded on a computer hard drive as opposed to analog systems where images are recorded on video or CD machines, which are more labour intensive and have a higher opportunity for breakdowns.

Mr Fanning said yesterday's launch represented stage two of the CCTV program. Plans for future expansion will be dependent on funding.

The fact the existing system was positioned to record the face of every person who entered Crown St Mall had not raised any concerns with civil libertarians, and should not be intimidating to mall users, Mr Fanning said.

"It shouldn't be cause for concern, not if you're doing the right thing. And it's helped to make a lot of arrests. You can track suspects and their movements and link them to crimes."

The present system also has the capability for motion detection add-ons that can target people running when they should be walking, cars moving too fast, business intrusions, or if someone walks in and leaves a bag then walks away.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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