Baltimore Lawmakers Debate Use of Facial Recognition Technology Amid Mount Washington Break-Ins
Baltimore, MD – In the wake of multiple recent burglaries and attempted break-ins in the Mount Washington neighborhood, local lawmakers are considering whether to expand the use of facial recognition technology to help identify and apprehend the suspect. The discussion comes as the Baltimore Police Department continues its investigation following a series of incidents that have left residents increasingly concerned about safety.
A String of Break-Ins Raises Alarm
Between July 30 and August 12, the Mount Washington community has experienced at least seven reported burglaries across five different streets, according to Baltimore Police. Incidents include a burglary on the 2500 block of Whitney Avenue reported on August 1, two cases on the 5700 block of Pimlico Road on the same day, further break-ins reported on the 2000 block of Carterdale Road on August 7, and two additional reports on the 6100 block of Eastcliff Drive on August 8. Police have released video footage from Ring doorbell cameras which captured a clear image of a person of interest approaching several homes. The footage may offer crucial clues in identifying the individual responsible. However, investigators have been limited in using facial recognition technology due to restrictions imposed by a 2025 state law.
Legal Limits on Facial Recognition Use
The Maryland state law restricts the use of facial recognition technology to cases involving serious offenses such as violent crimes. This limitation has sparked debate, especially among officials who believe the tool could expedite solving crimes like the recent burglaries.
Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer expressed frustration with the current constraints. “Unfortunately, this one has been a little bit challenging without being able to use facial recognition technology. It has just delayed how long it’s going to take to apprehend the suspect,” Schleifer told CBS Baltimore. He added, “I think that we should be able to use every piece of technology in the toolkit to solve crimes, and there’s really no reason we should be limiting ourselves and limiting our detectives from utilizing a tool that can help them solve these crimes.”
Enhanced Police Presence and Community Response
In response to the break-in spree, police have increased patrols throughout Mount Washington. Councilman Schleifer emphasized the community’s safety as a priority while the search for the individual continues.
However, community members have expressed mixed feelings about employing facial recognition technology to assist law enforcement. Some residents worry that wider use of the technology could lead to privacy concerns or misuse.
“I think there are forms of technology that can be overused to the point where you could almost use it as a form of profiling or you could use it to generalize a certain group of people,” said Theo Hyatt, a Mount Washington resident.
Another resident, Dayna Palmer, shared ambivalence about the technology. “I have mixed feelings about it. I would say I have mixed feelings about the technology. I know it’s a developing technology, I would just worry that it’s like, of course, humans make errors.”
Next Steps
As the debate continues, Baltimore lawmakers face the challenge of balancing public safety, technological capabilities, and civil liberties. With community members alert but concerned, the hope remains that law enforcement will soon apprehend the suspect responsible for the recent crimes, restoring peace to the Mount Washington neighborhood.
Ashley Paul
CBS Baltimore
August 14, 2025
