Beyond the ankle bracelet: Oklahoma considers AI to monitor parolees with facial recognition

Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a proposal from Montana-based Global Accountability to implement an AI-powered parole and probation monitoring system that would use facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for check-ins. The state could become the first in the nation to adopt the company’s Absolute ID platform, which would cost approximately $2 million for a one-year pilot program covering 300 parolees and up to 40 officers.

What you should know: The Absolute ID platform combines biometric identification (facial recognition and fingerprints), location tracking, and virtual boundary alerts to monitor people on parole and probation through smartphones and smartwatches.

• Users would scan their face or fingerprint for scheduled check-ins, with the AI system analyzing patterns in behavior like charging frequency, location changes, and compliance rates.
• The technology can flag individuals for officer review based on behaviors like missing check-ins, visiting unauthorized areas, or allowing devices to die.
• “Ultimately, what we’re trying to do is reduce some of the workload of officers because they can’t be doing this 24/7,” said David Crist, Global Accountability’s lead compliance officer. “But some of our automation can.”

The big picture: Oklahoma already uses some digital monitoring technology, with 428 people currently on ankle monitors and existing facial recognition check-in capabilities for low-level offenders.

• States like Illinois, Virginia, and Idaho have adopted similar monitoring technologies, though Global Accountability claims its platform is unique due to its combination of biometrics, location identification, and virtual boundary features.
• The company is also pitching the platform to prevent fraud in food stamp benefits and track case workers in foster care systems.

Mixed legislative reception: Support for the proposal varies among Oklahoma lawmakers, with some seeing cost-saving potential while others express skepticism about early adoption.

• Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, who organized the interim study, supports the platform and believes monitoring could extend to food stamp benefits to help the state save money.
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, thinks the platform could be helpful but prefers waiting for the technology to mature and become less expensive before Oklahoma adopts it.
• Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, remains unconvinced and wants proof of effectiveness before authorizing taxpayer funding: “You can tell me anything. I want to see what you’re doing.”

Key implementation details: The state could either provide devices to parolees and probationers or require them to purchase their own smartphones or smartwatches.

• Failure to carry the required device or pay phone bills could constitute a parole violation under the proposed system.
• The platform includes messaging and calling capabilities between parolees and their supervising officers.
• States would have control over what data gets collected, though the platform has the capacity to gather extensive location and movement information.