Ministers look to enhance policing with body-worn facial recognition technology

It revealed that the policing minister, Chris Philp, expressed a strong desire to embed facial recognition technology in law enforcement activities and explore avenues for government support in this regard. 

Specifically, the integration of this technology with police body-worn video is being considered as a feasible option.

Prof Fraser Sampson, the biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner, emphasized the significance of this potential expansion and the valid concerns it raises about personal privacy. 

These concerns must be addressed within any future regulatory framework governing the use of facial recognition technology, as the principles of consent, trust, and public confidence are indispensable in policing.

Body-worn video cameras were initially introduced to capture evidence and document interactions between police officers and the public. These compact devices are currently capable of recording high-definition video and technically feasible to be linked to live facial recognition systems. LFR involves matching the biometric data of individuals' faces against a watchlist database. 

This integration could enable an officer on patrol to compare the faces of hundreds, if not thousands, of people against a list of suspects, significantly streamlining the process of identifying potential criminals.

Setbacks and challenges attached

However, Sampson cautioned that LFR technology offers a range of capabilities, some of which may raise concerns among the public. He mentioned that in China, the algorithm employed in facial recognition technology can identify ethnicity and estimate age. 

Some manufacturers even claim that their systems can determine an individual's mood or level of anxiety. These extensive capabilities necessitate careful consideration and regulation to ensure they are used appropriately and responsibly.

A Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government's support for expanding the use of facial recognition technology, emphasizing its crucial role in combating serious offenses such as murder, knife crime, rape, child sexual exploitation, and terrorism. 

However, Emmanuelle Andrews of Liberty, an organization opposing any use of LFR, expressed deep concern over the government's potential rollout of this invasive technology. 

She argued that subjecting more individuals to constant surveillance and monitoring infringes upon the fundamental right to live without unwarranted intrusion by the police.

Police authorities believe that live facial recognition could be the next major breakthrough in crime-fighting, revolutionizing the process of identifying wanted individuals. 

When implemented responsibly, emerging technologies can bolster policing efforts, ultimately ensuring the safety of communities.