ValorTech CEO Bryan Sevener provides expert analysis to FOX6 Milwaukee on the implications of the Fire and Police Commission’s facial recognition ban and the future of public safety technology.

MILWAUKEE, WI — April 29, 2024 — Following the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission’s (FPC) decision to ban the Milwaukee Police Department from using facial recognition technology, Bryan Sevener, CEO of ValorTech, was interviewed by FOX6 Milwaukee to provide critical industry perspective on the complexities of this technology and its role in modern law enforcement.

In a discussion with FOX6 anchors Stephanie Grady and Ben Handelman, Sevener offered a balanced analysis of the tension between rapid technological advancement and the protection of civil liberties. As a veteran entrepreneur and technology expert, Sevener highlighted that while public concerns regarding privacy and bias are significant, the technology itself has reached a level of sophistication that is often misunderstood in policy debates.

Key insights provided by Bryan Sevener in the FOX6 report include:

• The Precision of Modern Algorithms: Sevener noted that high-tier facial recognition algorithms have evolved significantly, achieving near-perfect accuracy rates that mitigate many of the "false positive" concerns associated with earlier, less-refined versions of the software.
• Investigative "Starting Points": He clarified that the technology is not meant to be an automated judge, but rather a powerful investigative lead. He emphasized that in a professional setting, any digital match must be verified by human eyes before any action is taken.
• The "Safety Gap": Sevener discussed the potential downsides of a total ban, pointing out that removing this tool could hinder the department’s ability to quickly identify suspects in violent crimes or locate missing and endangered individuals where time is of the essence.
• Policy Over Prohibition: Rather than a blanket ban, Sevener suggested that robust, transparent policies and strict auditing could allow the city to benefit from the technology’s safety features while explicitly protecting the privacy rights of Milwaukee residents.

ValorTech remains a leading voice in the Midwest for cybersecurity and managed IT services, advocating for the responsible and ethical application of advanced technology in both the private and public sectors.

To view the full FOX6 report featuring Bryan Sevener’s commentary, visit:https://www.fox6now.com/video/1448206