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Monday, Jun 09, 2025
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Facial Recognition Technology Use in New Orleans Jail Escapees Search Under Scrutiny
Authorities' use of live facial recognition cameras to recapture escaped inmates raises concerns over privacy and constitutional issues
A massive manhunt is underway for 10 inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail on May 16. Authorities have confirmed that facial recognition cameras operated by a private organization, Project N.O.L.A., helped lead to the recapture of one of the fugitives.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has been using these cameras despite concerns over their use.
According to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the facial recognition cameras were used in the manhunt, but she had recently ordered a pause in automated alerts from Project N.O.L.A. due to concerns over meeting legal and policy requirements.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stated that the use of live facial recognition raises constitutional and privacy issues, and is a 'radical and dangerous escalation of the power to surveil people as we go about our daily lives.' Critics argue that the average citizen is not aware they are being scanned by these cameras.
Project N.O.L.A. operates 200 facial recognition cameras in New Orleans, which scan faces, clothing, vehicles, and license plates.The NOPD has partnered with Project N.O.L.A., but the organization does not have an official contract with the department.
The city of New Orleans has an ordinance on the use of facial recognition technology, which states that evidence obtained from facial recognition alone is not sufficient to establish probable cause for an arrest.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, including the investigation of significant crimes such as murder and manslaughter.The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies has raised concerns among politicians, with some Republicans and Democrats calling for greater oversight and regulation.
The technology has also been used by businesses in various industries, including retail and tech, but critics argue that it encroaches on individuals' privacy and can be error-prone, particularly when it comes to people of color, older people, and women.Five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, leaving five others still at large.
The manhunt is ongoing, with authorities continuing to use facial recognition cameras to track down the remaining fugitives.
Project N.O.L.A.'s executive director, Bryan Lagarde, stated that his organization's cameras located two of the escapees in the French Quarter, leading to the arrest of one and a narrow escape by the other.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has been using these cameras despite concerns over their use.
According to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the facial recognition cameras were used in the manhunt, but she had recently ordered a pause in automated alerts from Project N.O.L.A. due to concerns over meeting legal and policy requirements.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stated that the use of live facial recognition raises constitutional and privacy issues, and is a 'radical and dangerous escalation of the power to surveil people as we go about our daily lives.' Critics argue that the average citizen is not aware they are being scanned by these cameras.
Project N.O.L.A. operates 200 facial recognition cameras in New Orleans, which scan faces, clothing, vehicles, and license plates.The NOPD has partnered with Project N.O.L.A., but the organization does not have an official contract with the department.
The city of New Orleans has an ordinance on the use of facial recognition technology, which states that evidence obtained from facial recognition alone is not sufficient to establish probable cause for an arrest.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, including the investigation of significant crimes such as murder and manslaughter.The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies has raised concerns among politicians, with some Republicans and Democrats calling for greater oversight and regulation.
The technology has also been used by businesses in various industries, including retail and tech, but critics argue that it encroaches on individuals' privacy and can be error-prone, particularly when it comes to people of color, older people, and women.Five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, leaving five others still at large.
The manhunt is ongoing, with authorities continuing to use facial recognition cameras to track down the remaining fugitives.
Project N.O.L.A.'s executive director, Bryan Lagarde, stated that his organization's cameras located two of the escapees in the French Quarter, leading to the arrest of one and a narrow escape by the other.
