Researchers at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington are helping law enforcement groups find real-world uses for facial recognition technology, WECT reports.

One specific example is “MIDO” or “Multiple Image Dataset Organizer,” which researchers believe could have helped law enforcement compile that mass amount of information and images that flooded in after the Boston Marathon bombings.  After the data is compiled, facial recognition technology could takes effect.

Researchers are also studying how age affects facial recognition. Tools such as AgeMe and FaceMark could help law enforcement find suspects based on decade-old photos, which could also help in missing persons cases.