The Authority together with the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner and Police Scotland hosted a Biometrics conference which sought to explore and understand the use of biometrics in Scotland. This was the first conference of its kind in Scotland.
This event explored the extraordinary transformation in crime detection and prosecution enabled by biometrics in Scotland, and provided insights and discussion into the potential future use and, critically, the ethical boundaries that must be set around the rapidly developing capabilities of biometrics and technology.
Among many speakers, there was insights from Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, Angela Constance MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Chief Constable Jo Farrell and Dr Brian Plastow, Scottish Biometrics Commissioner. Attendees also hear from Forensic Services, the Metropolitan Police Service, and experts in criminology, surveillance and human rights.
Attendees considered the wider impact of biometrics on our individual and social wellbeing, the impact on policing and criminal justice and discuss the need to preserve individual rights to privacy.
Speaking after the event, Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority said:
"My hope is that the conference marks the start of a national conversation, in the year ahead, that seeks to build understanding and awareness of how live facial recognition technology could help keep people safe, and the ethical and human rights checks and balances that should underpin its potential use if it was adopted."
Chief Constable Jo Farrell added:
“I am passionate about meeting our positive duty to use biometrics data and new technology for law enforcement. Passionate about keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice.
“Using biometrics data and new technology can assist in that mission and Police Scotland will not step back from our positive duty.
At the same time, I am absolutely clear and determined our approach will be legal, ethical and underpinned by our values of integrity, fairness, respect and commitment to upholding human rights.”
