We are learning Toronto Police have been using a high-tech tool for more than a year to help with investigations but it's one that has not been without controversy.
Facial recognition has helped solve some high profile crimes.
It was used in the Bruce McArthur investigation to help police identify victim Dean Lisowick from a picture found on McArthur's computer.
Toronto Police say it's used to compare photos of potential suspects caught on camera to a database of 1.5 million mugshots.
It was bought in March of last year for $451,718 and according to a police report, it's been used 2,591 times since.
Critics though, worry about it being misused.
The technology has been banned in San Francisco over privacy concerns.