Report Summary
The Chair of the Scottish Police Authority launched a national conversation on the potential use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) in Scotland in June 2024. This paper aims to provide a summary of the available information on the use of LFR in a policing context.
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Potential Use of LFR by Police Scotland
Any use of LFR by Police Scotland must support the delivery of key strategies, priorities and plans. The working group coordinating this conversation propose any considered use of LFR is guided by a set of ‘Principles for Use’ as part of a detailed Live Facial Recognition Policy.
Certain situations (‘Use Cases’) where LFR could be applied to Scottish policing have been developed. Three of these are outlined below.
Use Case 1 – City/Town Centre Nightlife
Use of LFR, during specific times, in busy areas where there is thought to be people who target females with a risk of sexual or violent altercations.
Use Case 2 – High Risk Missing Persons (e.g. young children, vulnerable persons, i.e. elderly, dementia sufferers, etc.)
Use of LFR for example at transport hubs (e.g. bus stations) or where it is thought to help Police Scotland’s ability to keep vulnerable or missing people safe and supported and return them to safety.
Use Case 3 – Largescale Indoor Events
Use of LFR at indoor events where lots of people are expected. This is to find people who are likely to create a risk to public safety, potential acts of terrorism, or who should not be in attendance (e.g. breaching a condition of bail).
