SFPD Hit with Lawsuit for Alleged Facial Recognition Use Post City Ban

Published Date: 20/07/2024

A non-profit group has filed a lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department, accusing them of violating the city's facial recognition technology ban. The department has admitted to circumventing the ban, but the lawsuit claims the problem is more widespread.

"In 2019, San Francisco made history by becoming the first city in the United States to ban facial recognition technology. The ban was implemented to prevent law enforcement agencies from using the technology for surveillance without proper oversight. However, a new lawsuit filed by a non-profit group alleges that the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has repeatedly flouted the ban and failed to submit proper documentation related to surveillance technologies.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of a report in May that accused the SFPD of asking neighboring police forces to search facial recognition databases on their behalf. The police department admitted to circumventing the ban six times, blaming the majority of the violations on two officers. However, the lawsuit claims that the problem is more widespread than the SFPD admits.

According to the lawsuit, the unlawful use of facial recognition technology by the SFPD puts the legitimacy of investigations prosecuted by the District Attorney in question and could lead to reviews. The lawsuit also alleges that the SFPD has withheld documentation, including annual reports and use policies, in violation of the Surveillance Technology Ordinance.

The ordinance requires each San Francisco department possessing pre-existing equipment to submit an inventory, impact policy, and use policy of its surveillance technologies. However, the SFPD has refused to submit 42 use policies for four years, according to the lawsuit.

Brian Hofer, Executive Director of Secure Justice, is calling for an investigation into the SFPD's use of facial recognition technology, citing cases of false arrests and wrongful incarceration throughout the country. Hofer also pointed to the SFPD's"

FAQs:

"Q: What is the Surveillance Technology Ordinance?

A: The Surveillance Technology Ordinance is a law in San Francisco that requires law enforcement agencies to submit documentation, including annual reports and use policies, related to surveillance technologies.

Q: What is Proposition E?

A: Proposition E is a regulation passed by voters in San Francisco that allows police departments to acquire surveillance equipment and then ask for approval within one year.

Q: Why did San Francisco ban facial recognition technology?

A: San Francisco banned facial recognition technology to prevent law enforcement agencies from using the technology for surveillance without proper oversight.

Q: How many times did the SFPD admit to circumventing the facial recognition ban?

A: The SFPD admitted to circumventing the ban six times.

Q: What is Secure Justice?

A: Secure Justice is a non-profit organization that advocates for civil rights and liberties, and works to ensure that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for their actions."

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