Arrest of a Pregnant Woman Inspires a Transformation

In response to a wrongful arrest case involving facial-recognition technology, Detroit’s police chief, James White, has announced new policies to regulate its use. The incident involved a pregnant woman who was charged with robbery and carjacking based on images taken from a gas station video. The charges were later dismissed by prosecutors due to poor police work. Chief White stated, “We want to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”

Two days ago, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged the Detroit police to stop using facial-recognition technology. The city has faced two similar lawsuits, including one filed last week by Porcha Woodruff, a 32-year-old Black woman who was wrongfully arrested while preparing her children for school. Woodruff was identified as a suspect through facial recognition but denied any involvement. Charges were dropped when the victim failed to appear in court. Chief White announced that officers will no longer use facial-recognition-derived images in photographic lineups.

As part of the new policies, two captains will review arrest warrants when facial technology is used, among other changes. The Detroit Police Board of Commissioners will be presented with these policies. Chief White emphasized the need for additional evidence beyond technology to establish a suspect’s involvement in a crime. Critics argue that the technology often leads to misidentification of people of color. Woodruff’s lawsuit claims that she was identified by facial recognition despite the carjacker not being described as visibly pregnant by the victim. Woodruff spent several hours in jail following her arrest. Chief White acknowledged the need for improvement and promised accountability for this mistake.

(Read more facial recognition technology stories.)