The Recollection Autumn 2019 - Association of Super Recognisers

The Recollection
                          Autumn 2019
Worldwide Police Super Recogniser Units Gain Official Recognition

An important step forward for our work, with the Munich Police in Germany deciding to make
their Super Recogniser Unit a permanent squad. This follows the Metropolitan Police listing
their “Image Identifiers” (Super Recognisers) as a recommended tactic to be used by
detectives, as part of Scotland Yard’s “Crime Assessment Policy”. AND on the other side of
the globe, Sgt Chris Tritton is forging ahead with a new Super Recogniser team in Queensland,
Australia. Which country will be next to seize this opportunity to catch more criminals?

Super Recogniser Course No. 4

The latest course was a great success with candidates having a wide variety of skills including
serving police officers from Thames Valley Police, members of the security team from a major
concert venue and staff from an image comparison company - YOTI.         YOTI are, of course,
great supporters of the Association and sponsored the 2019 awards ceremony.

It was also international with potential Super Recognisers from Australia, Sweden, USA,
Germany & India. The course was held at the Civil Service Club in central London – and the
venue has a VERY prestigious address – Great Scotland Yard, where in 1829, the original
headquarter of the Metropolitan Police stood. The course were treated to a crime history
tour by Mike Neville, visiting the sites of some of London’s most infamous murders.

The course was sponsored by Avigilon, who gave a demonstration of their excellent software
viewing equipment, which can be used by Super Recognisers to focus on suspects.

A highlight of the course continues to be Dr Craig Donald’s training to spot suspicious
behaviour and the feedback from the students confirms this:
    • “Very interesting. I learned a huge amount in a short space of time”
    • “Thoroughly enjoyed Dr Donald’s training. Found it interesting and informative.”
    • “Really enjoyed course and all the speakers.”
    • “Absolutely fascinating and very interactive.”
    • “Loved all of this training, felt like I learned loads.”

Lord Lingfield (left) & Dr Craig Donald (right)   Covent Garden – busy, as ever

The final exercise, where the Super Recognisers take part in a realistic, crime-based
scenario, took place in Covent Garden and Lord Lingfield, our Chairman, visited to see the
candidates put through their paces. One of the “villains” was Mark Rowe, the reporter for
the Professional Security Magazine, who is preparing an article on the course.

“Villain” Mark Rowe was spotted by the Super Recognisers during the exercise…

Again, feedback for this part of the course was excellent:
   • “Excellent. A really useful experience…”
   • “…a challenge, but exciting at the same time…”
   • “Really fun!”
   • “Very enjoyable and a good practical exercise.”

Dates for courses in 2020 will be placed on the Association website.

Television & Internet Programmes – Making Stars of Super Recognisers

The Association continues to assist with two potential television shows, which will feature
Super Recognisers. The documentary team recently filmed in Queensland with the Australian
SRs. The producers are in negotiation with major TV companies and there is keen interest in
the programme. The fictional drama series is awaiting its pilot script and may be broadcast
in 2020. BUT there is already a short Super Recogniser film on You Tube starring Jacob
Anderson from “Game of Thrones”. A very surreal look at Super Recognisers…..can you be
“re-booted”???

Jacob Anderson               A scene from “The Super Recognisers”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5kE-R0ju1w&feature=youtu.be

Cardiff Facial Recognition Case

The use of automated facial recognition (AFR) technology by South Wales Police was recently
challenged in court. The High Court ruled that the use of the software was lawful, but most
interestingly for Super Recognisers, is the study by Professor Martin Innes of Cardiff
University, who researched the police use of AFR at the Millennium Stadium. He noted that
“AFR” should stand for “Assisted” NOT “Automated Facial Recognition” – as it always requires
a human operator. AND Super Recognisers are the people best skilled to fill this role.

South Wales Police – Mobile Automated Facial Recognition

US Cities Continue to Ban Automated Facial Recognition

Cities in the United States continue to ban computerised recognition systems. San Francisco
and Oakland, California, and Somerville, Massachusetts, have outlawed certain uses of facial
recognition technology, with Portland, Oregon, potentially soon to follow. There is also a
campaign for a prohibition of its use in New York. BUT – this presents real opportunities for
HUMAN Super Recognisers in the States.         The Association’s CEO, Mike Neville, gave a
presentation to law enforcement officers and border officials in Ohio in June – the word
spreads!

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/614362/a-facial-recognition-ban-is-coming-to-the-
us-says-ai-policy-advisor/

South African Conference

More globe-trotting – or globe speaking…….. Mike Neville was invited to speak at the i-legal
conference in Johannesburg. The chair of the conference is none other than Dr Craig Donald,
who was keen to ensure that South African police and security managers are aware of the
potential of Super Recognisers.

Charlton Athletic Football Club – Super Recogniser Experiment

Members of SRI took part in an experiment to combine body-worn facial recognition cameras
produced by Digital Barriers Ltd and Super Recognisers. The trial was park of the “Kick It Out”
anti-racism campaign (given events at the Bulgaria v England match, this was very timely).
The experiment was overseen by world expert, Dr Josh Davis, an Honorary Fellow of the
Association. We look forward to his report. This again emphasises that Super Recognisers
can provide the “human intervention” required by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s
Code if police officers were to take action against banned fans or wanted hooligans.

The Valley Football Ground      Dr Josh Davis Hon FSRA

https://www.superrecognisers.com/post/josh-davis-observes-super-recognisers-and-
body-worn-cameras-in-action

International Super Recognisers Representatives

It is intended to run courses across the world. Do you want to be an international
representative of SRI Ltd? Your mission would be to find 20+ paying attendees and your
place would be free of charge. A course could then be organised in your region and you
could take pride in being responsible for the further development of the science of Super
Recognition across the globe. You will, of course, receive payment for your work. For
further information contact:

tony.nisbett@superrecognisersinternational.com

Calling all Military & Law Enforcement Personnel – AGAIN!

Are you a Super Recogniser serving in the Armed Forces or in a law enforcement or other
government agency? Your unit or organisation could be made more effective if those in
command knew which of their staff were Super Recognisers. Identifying the correct target
– terrorist, criminal or missing person - is essential.

Please put your Commanding Officer in touch with the CEO at the email address shown at
the bottom of this page. Mike has military and policing experience. Your assistance could
result in discounted membership and courses for you and your colleagues.

Articles Required!

If you have interesting stories, research or other information regarding Super Recognisers,
please forward it to Mike Neville at:

mike.neville@superrecognisersinternational.com

Finally….best wishes to all members of the….