But a huge part of the problem is that many users of facial recognition software will not be experts on how to properly use the software. If the ACLU improperly used it, do you really trust law enforcement agencies to do a better job?
Hopefully, and I think this scandal will help, the engineering departments/contractors for the government will develop software that is appropriately configured for each case.
What I imagine is this: 1. The cop uploads a picture of the suspect taken from camera surveillance at crime scene 2. Software displays the mugshots (and names) of PROBABLE matches from the database with confidence %, color coding according to confidence level, and notice of proper use 3. Cop compares man/woman's picture with what's displayed 4. Investigation continues if necessary