Panama expands use of facial recognition system at airport

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Panama has expanded the use of FaceFirst's facial recognition software system at its Tocumen International Airport.

FaceFirst said its system is now being used at the airport's North Terminal as a result of increased passenger volume at the airport and the system's success in identifying suspect individuals since its introduction at the airport and the country's border crossings in 2011.

"We are proud to be a part of this $936 million investment in the expansion of Tocumen International Airport," said FaceFirst Chief Executive Officer Joe Rosenkratz. "The inclusion of our technology in this expansion is a testament to its beneficial influence on heightening border security and safety within nations."

FaceFirst said that the facial recognition system has resulted in the apprehension of multiple Interpol suspects, enabled the ongoing tracking and captures of multiple regional and nationally wanted persons, and enabled the geo-fencing of authorized people throughout the larger airport facility since it was first installed.

"The FaceFirst facial recognition system installed at Tocumen is capable of detecting 30 people per day who have a police record or who are wanted by Interpol, and thus are not allowed to enter the country," said Panamanian Minister of Public Security Jose Mulino.