Aurora Police have published accountability reports and opened public comment as they seek approval from city council to begin using facial recognition for after-the-fact investigations. The proposal emphasizes that the technology would generate investigative leads only and would not be used for live surveillance or probable cause.
According to a CBS Colorado report, the department already relies on Flock cameras to help identify suspects and now wants to add facial recognition to its investigative tools, alongside DNA, fingerprints, and automated license plate readers.
A dedicated Aurora city webpage outlines draft accountability reports for two systems: Clearview AI and the LexisNexis Lumen/AVCC platform, which uses Rank One’s algorithm and searches mugshots shared by Colorado agencies through the CISC network. The reports state that matches will be treated as leads requiring corroboration, with results logged and audited.
They also reference National Institute of Standards and Technology evaluations of Rank One and commit to suspending use if error rates exceed specified thresholds or show disparate impact.
Sentinel Colorado reported that Cmdr. Chris Poppe told the city’s Public Safety committee the rollout would begin with a small group of trained operators. Leads would require review by both an analyst and a supervisor before being passed to detectives. Prohibited uses outlined in the proposal include live monitoring, immigration enforcement, and commercial applications. The Sentinel article also noted cost estimates for Clearview of about $32,000 in the first year, $36,000 in the second, and $67,000 in the third, while searches through Lumen would not carry an additional fee.
Colorado law requires agencies to meet specific conditions before adopting facial recognition. Under SB22-113, government users must produce public accountability reports, secure approval from their governing body, disclose intended use to the community, and ensure results are reviewed by people before any action is taken. Colorado Public Radio noted that only approved agencies may deploy the technology and that human review is mandatory, especially when results could contribute to an arrest.
Aurora’s proposal now moves into a public comment phase, with three meetings scheduled before the city council: a committee session, a study session, and a full council vote. The accountability reports are open for feedback until those reviews take place, and a formal decision on whether the department can proceed is expected in the coming months.
Sources: CBS Colorado, City of Aurora, Sentinel Colorado, Colorado Public Radio
–
By Ali Nassar-Smith
