I think it has been proven as a decent tool for things such as unlocking your phone etc. To actually be used for the solving of crimes and prosecution of them is quite another thing. There would have to be some form of second or third confirmation involved. I don't think the facial recognition alone would be enough to press charges or render a conviction. The whole idea of new technology being used in this way kind of reminds me of an article I read a while ago about the CSI effect. Lawyers were saying that it was becoming much harder to get guilty verdicts in cases because many juries wanted to see all of the forensic evidence that they saw being produced in the television shows. If more shows continue to show and use facial recognition as a means to an end, it may not matter if the real world wants it or needs it. It may be forced upon them.