Face recognition system boosts security

As many as 61,000 people arriving in and departing from the country have undergone a facial recognition scan (FRS) since the system became operational in 2009, according to Captain Jamal Al Houssani, Head of the Technical Affairs Division at the General Secretariat of the Minister of Interior’s office. “The facial recognition system is a means used to deter and intercept those who had an earlier entry ban so that they could not re-enter the country, and boosts security and stability of the country,” said Capt Al Houssani. He made these remarks on the sidelines of the International Security National Resilience (ISNR) Exhibition & Conference 2012. He pointd out that a total of 50 facial recognition devices are currently in place countrywide. “Bringing such a security system into application in the country had placed the UAE on top of the Middle East countries in this field,” he noted, adding that using this system had a positive influence in beefing up the security mechanisms and the performance of state’s security. The face scan is a biometric application used to identify people through their faces by resorting to a sophisticated computer programme and camera that can scan faces of persons and analyse them. A very sensitive camera is used to snap photos of people from quite a distance. People can be easily detected by the camera whether they are in motion or still. He added that the facial recognition system has been used increasingly of late for security and police purposes. It is not only used for identifying people over their faces, but also can transmit an alert signal warning of strangers and unwanted people. It is also used to post photos of people who had been given deportation order, and suspects and convicts at airports so that the security bodies can take the requisite action immediately.