MPIA Request for Information Re: Your Agency's Use of Facial Recognition Software (Harford County Sheriff)
It is a clone of this request.
| Multi Request | MPIA Request for Information Re: Your Agency's Use of Facial Recognition Software |
| Submitted | June 29, 2023 |
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Communications
From: Amelia McDonell-Parry
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act, I am hereby requesting access to the records listed below and held by the Harford County Sheriff:
- A list of every instance in which the Harford County Sheriff has used facial recognition software – including but not limited to the Thales Cogent Mugshot System (CMS) – since January 1, 2022;
- A list of all Facial Recognition (FR) Record Numbers and/or CMS Transaction Numbers generated since January 1, 2022;
- A list of all facial recognition software systems used by the Harford County Sheriff since January 1, 2022;
- Contracts between the Harford County Sheriff and any facial recognition software companies;
- Users manuals for all facial recognition software used by the Harford County Sheriff;
- The total number of Facial Recognition Match Reports generated since January 1, 2022;
- The total number of positive facial recognition results generated since January 1, 2022;
- The total number of instances in which the Harford County Sheriff identified a suspect or person of interest using facial recognition software since January 1, 2022;
- A list of all social media platforms used by the Harford County Sheriff in conjunction with facial recognition software;
- All the Harford County Sheriff policies and procedures pertaining to the use of facial recognition software;
- Names of all individuals employed or contracted by the Harford County Sheriff who are trained in the use of facial recognition software;
- A description of the Harford County Sheriff's facial recognition training requirements.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. Alternatively, please consider waiving any fees, pursuant to § 4-206(e)(2)(ii) of the General Provisions Article, as this request is on behalf of individuals served by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, a state government agency, which solely serves indigent citizens of Maryland. As a result, my request for the above-listed public records is in the public interest. I would prefer the request be filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Deborah Katz Levi
Director of Special Litigation
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
(443) 272-1068
From: Harford County Sheriff
This will be forwarded to the appropriate personnel.
Jessica Lynch
Harford County Sheriff’s Office
LE Records Supervisor, Shift 2
lynchj@harfordsheriff.org<mailto:lynchj@harfordsheriff.org>
Desk: 443-409-3418
Records: 410-836-5445 ext 5
Fax: 410-893-9266
Disclaimer: Information provided is sensitive and confidential law enforcement data. It is not to be disseminated to unauthorized persons. Facts must be verified prior to any action taken by law enforcement.
From: Harford County Sheriff
Re: Public Information Act Requests
Please be advised the Harford County Sheriff's Office is now utilizing an online system enabling you to search for, or submit requests for, records online. This system will make the process of submitting requests for, and receiving public records easier, enabling you to pay for and receive your records electronically.
Please submit your requests for records at https://app.govquest.com/ . You will be able to search for existing records in the system or request a copy if the records are not currently available in the system.
If the requested records are not currently available in the system, you will be asked to submit your request electronically, and create your account (there is no charge for creating an account) by providing contact information and creating a secure password. This will enable you to:
* Receive notifications regarding the status of your request as it is being processed;
* Communicate directly with the agency regarding questions about your request;
* Submit supplemental request information that may be needed;
* Download your requested records and save them in your account;
* Review your purchase history;
* Pay for your records online.
From: Harford County Sheriff
Ms. Levi,
Your request was received and will be processed accordingly.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hanks
PIA Liaison
From: Harford County Sheriff
Good afternoon,
I was informed today that our agency use of the Cogent Mugshot System is run by the state, and they house all the information. We do not have any specific policy on its use and there are no specific training requirements. I'm referring you to the contact the DPSCS Office of Constituent Services to request this information.
https://dpscs.maryland.gov/publicinfo/pia.shtml
Our agency doesn't use any social media platforms in conjunction with facial recognition software.
For information regarding contracts between Harford County Sheriff's Office and any facial recognition software companies, you'll need to contact the Harford County Department of Procurement as their office holds all contracts.
https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/158/Procurement
Please let me know if have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michelle Hanks
Harford County Sheriff's Office
Public Information Act Liaison
Office: 443-409-3403 (33403)
Email: hanksm@harfordsheriff.org<mailto:hanksm@harfordsheriff.org>
Request Submission: https://app.govquest.com/
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