MPD details facial recognition technology plans; concerns persist

MPD facial recognition proposal faces hours of public opposition

Milwaukee police discussed facial recognition technology at a packed City Hall meeting on Thursday night, Feb. 5, as many public commenters opposed a proposed data-sharing deal and raised concerns about misuse and bias.

MILWAUKEE - Public comment stretched for several hours on Thursday night, Feb. 5, as residents weighed in on whether the Milwaukee Police Department should expand its use of facial recognition technology.

What we know:

The Milwaukee Police Department outlined a proposed policy governing the use of facial recognition technology during a meeting of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission at City Hall.

Under Wisconsin’s Act 12, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman has the authority to issue department policy. However, the Milwaukee Common Council can modify or reject that policy with a two-thirds vote, requiring support from at least 10 of 15 members.

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So many people signed up to speak that the FPC paused public comment after about an hour to allow for a presentation from the NYU School of Law Policing Project. Public comment resumed afterward.

MPD has previously acknowledged using facial recognition technology from other agencies to help identify suspects and solve crimes. The current discussion centers on a proposed agreement with the data company Biometrica.

Dig deeper:

Under the proposal, MPD would provide 2.5 million mug shots in exchange for two free licenses to the company’s facial recognition software. Police officials said the technology would be used to assist investigators, while Biometrica would store MPD’s data in its own database.

Most speakers who addressed the commission said they oppose the proposal. Several cited studies showing higher misidentification rates among people of color and other marginalized groups, along with concerns about how data could be shared or accessed.

What they're saying:

"There is no guarantee that this data stays local," said Nick Onorato, a special education teacher and member of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association. "Federal agencies, including immigration enforcement, to access databases nationwide. If Milwaukee uses FRT, it creates potential for misuse."

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Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman acknowledged the complexity of the decision facing the department.

"It is a hard pathway to walk," he said.

Norman said MPD is still working on a draft policy governing facial recognition technology and believes the tool could have a positive impact on public safety.