Surveillance cameras have become a common sight in our daily lives, present in public spaces such as streets and transportation hubs and private places like homes and businesses. The increase in their use is motivated by several factors, including heightened concerns for public safety, the desire to deter criminal activity, and the need for evidence in the event of a crime.

With the widespread use of surveillance cameras in public and private spaces, there has been an increase in the use of Facial Recognition technology by law enforcement. This technology allows for identifying individuals, even in large crowds, by analyzing facial features from images and videos. This helps law enforcement solve crimes more effectively, prevent criminal activity, and ensure the safety of communities.

By comparing these features to a database of known individuals, algorithms utilizing statistical analysis and machine learning determine whether the features match those of a known person, returning the images of potential candidates. Alongside this technology, the discipline of Facial Identification is playing a pivotal role in crime prevention and investigations.

To better understand Facial Identification (FI), it's important to distinguish it from Facial Recognition (FR). According to leaders in the discipline, Facial Recognition has two definitions (1) by automated systems, the automated searching of a facial image as a probe in a facial recognition system (one-to-many), typically resulting in a group (candidate list) of facial images being returned to a human operator in ranked order, based on system-evaluated similarity; (2) by humans, the mental process by which an observer identifies a person as being one they have seen before.

Unlike Facial Recognition (FR), which is automated, Facial Identification (FI) is the discipline of image-based comparisons of human facial features. These comparisons involve trained personnel manually identifying the similarities or dissimilarities between two (or more) facial images or facial image(s) and a live subject. By establishing a clear distinction between FR and FI, we can better understand Facial Identification's importance in ensuring Facial Recognition technology's accuracy, fairness, and accountability.

Ideal Innovations, Inc. (I-3) is a company that plays a crucial role in demystifying Facial Identification (FI) and clarifying its distinction from Facial Recognition (FR). I-3 offers FI training on how to conduct facial comparisons and provides services for those who do not have the resources or expertise to make the comparisons themselves.

The training is designed for novice and experienced practitioners who use an FR system or compare images of faces, whether law enforcement, intelligence, or private individuals or companies. With I-3's services and training, these organizations can ensure the responsible and ethical use of facial recognition technology.

"The combination of technology and a trained human will yield the most accurate and reliable outcomes," said Ideal Innovations, Inc. President Richard Syretz.

The company's enduring track record dates back to 1998 when biometrics gained traction in the defense industry. I-3 initially provided fingerprint examination support to the DoD. In 2009, the company assisted the DoD in becoming multimodal by providing face and iris examination support in addition to fingerprint examinations. 

With an emphasis on Facial Identification training, the Arlington, Virginia-based company has maintained an unparalleled position of leadership in the industry for over a decade. And though their wheelhouse is Facial Identification training, I-3 provides direct Facial Identification services to a range of clients, including the local police agencies that may not have the budgets to have trained staff to conduct the facial comparisons. 

Today, I-3 continues to set the bar for the Facial Identification industry through a range of pioneering services developed under its newly-formed Face Center of Excellence (FaCE). To learn more about the importance of Facial Identification or I-3, visit their website at www.i3face.com.