The adoption of facial recognition technology by Peel and York police has brought a significant transformation to their investigations. Peel police recently announced the implementation of this technology in their operations, while York police made a similar announcement in separate press releases on Monday afternoon. Both decisions were made after consultations with the province’s information and privacy commissioner.
Peel police stated that the new system will automate aspects of their existing image comparison process. Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich explained that the technology will scan and compare against lawfully-collected digital evidence stored in their databases. This will not only enhance criminal investigations but also facilitate faster mugshot searches with fewer errors, ultimately increasing safety in Peel Region. It is important to note that the images used by Peel police are stored in compliance with the Identification of Criminals Act and will not be compared against live videos or footage from external sources.
In contrast, York police emphasized that the facial recognition technology will not be utilized to gather images from social media or CCTV footage. Chief Jim MacSween highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two police services, stating that criminals do not limit their activities to a single jurisdiction. By partnering with Peel Regional Police, York police are able to work more effectively and efficiently to enhance safety and security in both communities.
