The Punjab police unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered ‘facial recognition system’ aimed at enhancing accountability, reliability, and efficiency in tracing and apprehending suspects and wanted criminals. The newly introduced “Face Trace System (FTS)” utilises artificial intelligence to create a comprehensive data bank of over 18 million individuals, including suspects and criminals. This advanced facial recognition technology will enable law enforcement officers across Punjab province to efficiently locate wanted criminals and accused persons.
Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar launched the system developed by Punjab Police Information Technology (IT) wing in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). DIG Ahsan Younas, heading the IT Wing, collected data from various sections and organizations within the Punjab police, leading to the development of this advanced system.
The implementation of the FTS has been made accessible to investigating officers all over the province, significantly streamlining the identification process.
A senior police officer said that previously officers would rely on traditional methods, involving physical visits to various locations, resulting in considerable time and resource wastage. Now, with just the press of a button, investigating officers can instantly verify and identify suspects and criminals through the online platform.
The data compiled for the system includes 16 million records and pictures from the driving licenses branch, 1.8 million records from the Crime Record Branch, 1.3 million from the Punjab Khidmat Marakaz, and 300,000 records of accused individuals and criminals from Punjab prisons.
