Some people possess an extraordinary ability to instantly recognize a face they have only seen once before. This remarkable talent has now attracted the attention of the St Gallen police in Switzerland. In a groundbreaking pilot project, six individuals with exceptional facial recognition skills have been recruited to identify criminals. These super recognisers possess the unique aptitude to spot a hooded person within a moving crowd, even with restricted vision. Their expertise surpasses that of machines, making them a valuable asset to law enforcement agencies.
According to a super recogniser working for the St Gallen police, their skillset proved invaluable during a recent case involving a knife fight. Upon arriving at the scene, the super recogniser immediately identified one of the individuals involved by name, recalling having seen him a few years prior. The super recogniser further claimed to remember the specific location of their prior encounter. Such impressive memory and recall capabilities contribute substantially to identifying suspects and solving crimes.
Unlike traditional detection software, human super recognisers possess a flexibility that machines lack. Meike Ramon, the director of the Facial Recognition Laboratory at the University of Lausanne, explained that the ability to recognize a face does not solely rely on conventional features like eyes, nose, and mouth. Ramon emphasized that even when using zoom functions on a phone, facial recognition software may only work in certain cases. In contrast, super recognisers can accurately identify faces without strict reliance on specific facial attributes.
Moreover, employing human super recognisers also presents legal advantages over relying solely on technology. Stefan Kühne, the head of the St Gallen criminal police, pointed out that algorithm-based systems encounter data protection law issues. In contrast, utilizing human resources to determine innocence or guilt circumvents these problems. It highlights the importance of striking a balance between advanced technology and respecting legal frameworks.
The pilot project involving the super recognisers in St Gallen serves as a test phase, with a decision on permanent integration into the police force expected by year-end. The success of this trial will undoubtedly influence how law enforcement agencies across Switzerland approach the utilization of super recognisers in their operations.
In conclusion, the St Gallen police have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to harness the extraordinary facial recognition abilities of super recognisers. Their unique talent offers distinct advantages over machines, including enhanced flexibility and fewer legal challenges. As the pilot project progresses, the decision to permanently integrate super recognisers into the police force awaits. The inclusion of these remarkable individuals serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of modern law enforcement, where the human eye remains a powerful tool in the fight against crime.
