North Wales Police is set to use live facial recognition (LFR) at specific events across the region following its successful deployment earlier this year at Holyhead Port. Working with South Wales Police colleagues, the technology will be used to keep the public safe.
Chief Supt Mark Williams, North Wales Police’s head of operational support services, said, “Our primary aims in using this technology are to keep the public safe and to help us identify serious offenders who pose a significant risk to our communities.”
A survey completed on behalf of the Information Commissioner in 2021 indicated that 82% of respondents indicated that they were in support of the police using LFR.
Chief Superintendent Williams added: “I believe public support will continue as we work to use all available methods and technologies to keep our communities safe. We will always ensure that our use of LFR is legal, ethical and legitimate.”
LFR compares a live camera feed of faces in a focused area against a predetermined watchlist in real-time. It is used to locate persons of interest by generating an alert when a possible match is found.
Before using LFR, a watchlist is created of persons that are wanted by the police and courts. The watchlist may also include people who may pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. People who are not included on a watchlist cannot be identified.
When a possible match is identified an officer will compare the camera image to the person they see and decide whether or not to speak to them. The decision to speak to a person following a possible match will always be tt of a police officer.
An explanation will always be given to the person as to why they have been selected. They will also be given an informational leaflet with contact details if they have further questions.
The images and biometric data relating to people who don’t cause an alert are automatically and immediately deleted. (Source: Emergency Services Times)
