The National Football League (NFL) is embroiled in a heated dispute with Nevada’s largest police union, the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, just three weeks before the start of the 2024 season.
Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, has expressed deep concerns over the NFL’s decision to implement facial recognition software at games. In an internal video, Grammas warned officers that the technology would not only be used to monitor fans but also law enforcement personnel.
“They’re going to take your biometric data – your face – and they’re going to use that however they need to,” Grammas cautioned. “And they’re going to extend that to their NFL family partners to use your information should they need to.”
Grammas fears that the information could fall into the wrong hands, potentially being used by individuals or groups with an anti-law enforcement agenda. As a result, he is urging officers to boycott working at Raiders games during the regular season, when the policy is set to take effect.
Steve Grammas (left), president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, warned officers that the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell (right) will use facial software in 2024
A member of the Las Vegas Metro Police dept. stands watch prior to the Super Bowl LVIII
The NFL has responded to Grammas’ concerns, stating that the facial recognition system is designed to enhance security at stadiums and will only apply to those with working credentials, including vendors and media. The league claims that the system was tested by six franchises during the 2023 season and will proceed with its implementation as planned.
A Las Vegas Metro Police spokesperson has confirmed that the department is working with the NFL to resolve the issue and hopes to find a solution soon.
The dispute has sparked a heated debate over the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces, with many expressing concerns over privacy and the potential for misuse.
As the NFL season approaches, it remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and what implications it may have for law enforcement, the league, and fans alike.
