Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc., announced the availability of SelectBlur, to law enforcement agencies at zero cost. This offers comes on the heels of widespread news stories of the Murrieta Police Department utilizing Lego images in an effort to obscure faces in booking photos and videos.
SelectBlur is a user-friendly Windows desktop application that allows users to selectively blur faces in video footage, ensuring the privacy of individuals who are not the focus of the surveillance. The application supports almost any video format and operates entirely on the desktop, eliminating the need for cloud-based processing and thereby further enhancing the security of sensitive data.
“It’s our commitment to empower law enforcement with the most innovative technological solutions available,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO of AITX and RAD. “Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by our dedicated law enforcement professionals, I’m driven by a profound sense of duty to equip them with tools that not only enhance their capabilities but also alleviate any apprehension towards embracing advanced AI technology. Offering SelectBlur at no cost is a small gesture of gratitude for their tireless dedication to public safety and underscores our shared mission to protect and serve our communities with integrity and compassion.”
The recent incident involving the Murrieta Police Department’s utilization of Lego images to obscure faces in booking photos underscores the complexities law enforcement agencies face in adhering to evolving privacy regulations. With California Assembly Bill 994 mandating the removal of booking photos from social media after 14 days, agencies like the Murrieta PD are challenged to find compliant solutions that balance privacy concerns with public transparency. The California Legislature also passed Assembly Bill 1475 in 2021, prohibiting local law enforcement from publishing mug shots of suspects in nonviolent crimes.
“Having spent 23 years with the FBI, I’ve witnessed the immense pressure and demands faced by today’s law enforcement agencies,” stated Troy McCanna, RAD’s chief security officer and former FBI agent. “These burdens weigh heavily on police departments, and I understand the urgency to streamline their operations. SelectBlur is more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline for our officers, offering a seamless solution to ease their workload and ensure the privacy and integrity of sensitive information.”
For more information, visit: radsecurity.com.
