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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Human Rights and Ethical Considerations - Safeguards around the use of emerging technologies
UK police forces have been open to criticism for failing to ensure independent oversight of new technology such as LFR. The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) is currently developing a nationwide strategy for responsible use of AI, leaning on the expertise of academics outside of policing. West Midlands Police have also established their own Ethics Committee to allow for independent assessment of new technologies in policing.
To support a consistent adoption of LFR across policing, the College of Policing has published Authorised Professional Practice (APP). This guidance explains that any use of LFR in policing must be supported by a comprehensive suite of policy documents, considerations relating to protected characteristics and detailed guidance on how police should generate watchlists.
