The Aurora Police Department plans to add facial recognition technology to the existing investigative and forensic tools used to solve crimes in Aurora.
Facial recognition technology uses biometric algorithms within software applications to examine and compare distinguishing features of a human face. This technology can be a valuable investigative tool to detect and prevent criminal activity, reduce imminent threats to health or safety, assist in identifying individuals who refuse to provide their identity when required by law, and help identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.
This technology will enhance productivity, improve crime solvability, increase effectiveness, and strengthen safety for both community members and officers. The Aurora Police Department has developed policy and training to ensure that all facial recognition investigations are consistent with authorized purposes while protecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. The result of any facial recognition search shall only be considered an investigative lead and shall not be treated as a positive identification of any subject or as probable cause for arrest. Any possible connection or involvement of a subject in an investigation must be confirmed through further investigative work and supporting resources.
In 2022, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 22-113, which outlines requirements for government agencies, including law enforcement, that intend to use facial recognition technology. Under this law, agencies must prepare an accountability report describing the technology, publish the report for public review, and hold public meetings to receive community input.
The Aurora Police Department and city of Aurora will host three public meetings to gather community feedback on the accountability report: An Aurora City Council Public Safety/Court/Civil Service Policy Committee Meeting, an Aurora City Council Study Session, and an Aurora City Council Meeting. In addition, the Aurora Police Department has published accountability reports below, along with a link for submitting public comments. After the public review and comment period concludes, the Aurora Police Department will finalize the accountability reports and make the final versions available through a link below.
To read the Facial Recognition Accountability Report for Rank One Computing Corporation’s facial recognition service, within LexisNexis’ Lumen/AVCC software platform, click here.
To read the Facial Recognition Accountability Report for Clearview AI, Inc Technologies, click here.