During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given on the Clear View AI facial recognition software, which, along with another program called Faces, has been used by the police department in recent years. The presentation explained that the technology compares physical features from probe photographs, such as CCTV footage or driver’s license photos, against a vast database of images. This tool has reportedly been successful in aiding the police in multiple cases, including the identification of a minor who went missing and was found in another state.

The board addressed the policies surrounding the technology, emphasizing authorized uses strictly for investigative purposes and prohibited uses like real-time surveillance or harassment. The discussion also covered the safeguards in place to prevent misuse, such as limited access among police personnel, auditability of search results, and clear guidelines that a match in the system does not constitute probable cause for an arrest without further verification.

Concerns about the technology’s implications on privacy were also addressed, notably the potential impact of social media posts and the permanence of one’s digital footprint. The presentation encouraged vigilance in personal social media use, acknowledging the dual-edged nature of the technology in being able to save or disrupt lives.

Aside from the facial recognition topic, the meeting touched upon the upcoming sunset of the Citizens Investigative Board due to a recent state law, with members discussing plans for a ‘sunset party’ to mark the end of the board’s tenure. The significance of this transition was noted.