Sheriffs Create Facial Recognition Working Group to Continue Leadership on Important Issue

Alexandria, VA – The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) today announced the establishment of a facial recognition working group to study technological issues and appropriate guidelines for law enforcement. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County, FL will Chair the group that will include law enforcement, industry representatives, government officials and other relevant parties.

“Far too often, myths are overwhelming facts on how facial recognition is used. Nevertheless, law enforcement needs to be confident and communities need to trust that what is being used is both legal and constitutional,” said Sheriff Gualtieri.

NSA has been involved in the use and the regulation of this tool for some time and it is important to more thoroughly understand the capabilities of the technology and to ensure that industry leaders and users have clearly defined and accepted practices and procedures.

About the National Sheriffs’ Association:
The National Sheriffs’ Association is one of the largest associations of law enforcement professionals in the U.S., representing more than 3,000 elected Sheriffs across the nation, and with a total membership of more than 14,000. NSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among Sheriffs, their deputies, and others in the field of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice. Throughout its seventy-nine-year history, NSA has also served as an information resource for all law enforcement, as well as State governments and the Federal government.