Jacek Ringwelski :
I don't see what the issue is. If you are on public property the 1st amendment grants you the right to take pictures and video of ANYTHING you want.....I can see this as being a GREAT tool for use by police officers.....
Boiled down the 1st amendment prevents the making of laws that would impede Freedom of speech, press, assembly and the right to petition. Where did you read "and the right to record video and audio of anyone on public property"?
In many states it is illegal to record audio or video of any person without their prior knowledge or consent. This directly relates to the 5th amendment self-incrimination, the 4th amendment protection from unreasonable search and seizure, and the 1st amendment freedom of speech and the right to assemble. Sure, you might not be available for trial in a federal court, but you could still rot in a state prison easy enough.
As a tool for police, rural police are primarily elected to their positions and have to play by the rules to keep their jobs. City police on the other hand are generally immune to the effects of abusing the rights of or breaking laws placed on normal citizens.
The potential for abuse of facial recognition software in the hands of police is far greater than any benefit that could be had from using it. "Who watches the watchmen?" As for military, counter intelligence, or anti-terrorist uses this could be a great tool, but for police it would be far overstepping their authority.