It has come to our attention that on at least one occasion IAB utilized facial recognition software to identify a Detective in a photograph allegedly showing the member drinking a beer on the LIRR on the way back from Det. Brian Simonsen’s funeral. Although our Detectives use this technology in the investigation of major crimes, it is the first we heard of it being used in a purely administrative investigation. The DEA is troubled by this and believes it is yet another example of the abuse of power by IAB. We have delivered a letter to the Police Commissioner on behalf of our member demanding to know if there are cases in which this was done and whether they continue to use such technology. Once the Department responds, we will weigh our legal options.
