Biometrics Institute Report Calls for Unified UK Policy on Police Facial Recognition Use

The Biometrics Institute has released a comprehensive report addressing the contentious use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in UK policing, emphasizing the urgent need for standardized nationwide regulations and improved public trust. The report, titled “Members’ Viewpoints: The Use of Facial Recognition in Policing,” arrives amid ongoing discussions about police deployment of both live and retrospective facial recognition systems.

The publication comes as UK Minister of State for Crime, Policing, and Fire, Dame Diana Johnson, seeks to address the regulatory vacuum surrounding police use of facial recognition. Currently, law enforcement agencies operate under College of Policing guidance and existing data privacy laws, resulting in what the report describes as a “postcode lottery” of inconsistent implementation across different jurisdictions.

A key concern highlighted in the report is the public’s wariness of Live Facial Recognition (LFR), which is characterized as feeling like a “continuous police line-up.” This echoes previous concerns raised by the UK’s Biometric Surveillance Commissioner about the deployment of facial recognition without adequate policies or guidance.

The report distinguishes between two primary applications: retrospective investigations comparing crime scene images against existing databases, and live deployments scanning public spaces in real-time. For retrospective use, the Institute recommends implementing the same quality management standards as DNA evidence, specifically citing ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for forensic integrity.

Addressing algorithmic bias concerns, the report cites independent testing by the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), indicating minimal demographic differentials in top-performing algorithms. However, it emphasizes the need for ongoing independent validation.

The Institute’s “Three Laws of Biometrics” framework—prioritizing policy, then process, and finally technology—is presented as essential guidance for responsible deployment. This aligns with recent recommendations from the UK Biometrics Commissioner calling for greater regulatory clarity around new biometric technologies.

The report also addresses private sector facial recognition use, noting its impact on public perception of law enforcement applications. Recent controversies, such as those involving retail deployment of facial recognition, have highlighted the importance of transparent and consensual implementation across all sectors.

The role of the UK Biometrics Commissioner receives particular attention, with the position being praised by the global biometrics community. The report recommends that all 43 UK police forces join the Biometrics Institute and adopt its Good Practice Framework (GPF) to ensure uniform standards and practices.

As discussions on UK-wide regulation continue, the report emphasizes the critical importance of clear policies, independent oversight, and sustained public engagement in maintaining trust and preventing misuse of facial recognition technology in law enforcement applications.