SFCSO seeking approval for facial recognition technology

April 16, 2026 - 08:59

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office (SFCSO) is moving forward with a proposal to implement a one-year trial of facial recognition technology. The initiative, with an estimated cost of $17,000, requires formal approval from the County Board of Commissioners.

Officials describe the tool as a modern investigative aid intended to help deputies identify suspects in criminal cases. The proposed system would allow the agency to compare still images from surveillance footage or other sources against a database of booking photos from the county jail. Advocates within the department argue this technology could significantly speed up investigations, especially for serious crimes, by providing leads that might otherwise take days or weeks to develop.

The proposal is expected to generate discussion regarding public safety versus privacy concerns. The sheriff's office has indicated the trial would include specific policies governing the technology's use, aiming to address potential civil liberty issues. A final decision rests with the county commissioners following a public review process.