Thunder Bay Police Pilot Biometric Monitoring for Detainees

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has initiated a pilot project, dubbed “CustodyProtect,” which introduces real-time biometric monitoring for individuals in police custody.

The initiative, a Canadian first, aims to enhance the safety and well-being of detainees, and comes as a result of a collaboration with 4Sight Labs, a company specializing in the development of biometric technology for custodial settings.

The TBPS acknowledges the limitations of traditional visual monitoring, noting its inability to detect potential internal health concerns in detainees. CustodyProtect addresses this issue by continuously monitoring biometric data and providing alerts for critical health events.

This technology allows for timely interventions and proactive medical attention, potentially enhancing the physical safety of individuals in custody.

“People who are detained in our cells are constantly visually monitored. What officers can’t see is what might be happening inside a person’s body,” explained Inspector Joe Dampier of the TBPS. “This technology alerts us to certain health events, so we can respond accordingly, right away. CustodyProtect is an effective tool to enhance safety while maintaining the rights of people in custody.”

The project highlights the potential for biometric technology to support law enforcement operations in the realm of detainee care.

“We applaud the Thunder Bay Police Service’s bold steps to drive advancements in protecting the dignity and rights of people in custody through pioneering technology,” said 4Sight Labs CEO,John DeFalco. “CustodyProtect provides police officers and personnel with invaluable, objective visibility to enable early intervention while embedding compassion into custodial operations.”

Source: NetNews Ledger

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May 6, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith