Facial Recognition Technology: Federal Law Enforcement Agency Efforts Related to Civil Rights and Training

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) testified about their prior work on federal law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology. In 2023, they reviewed 7 agencies in the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice that had reported using the technology to support criminal investigations.

All 7 agencies initially used facial recognition services without requiring staff to take related training. Two agencies required it as of April 2023. Also, it was reported that some agencies didn’t have policies specific to facial recognition technology to help protect people’s civil rights and civil liberties.