A recent survey conducted by Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority reveals a near-even split in public opinion over the potential introduction of live facial recognition (LFR) technology. Of the nearly 2,700 respondents, 49 percent said they were comfortable with the use of LFR in policing, while 48 percent expressed discomfort.
The poll is part of a broader “national conversation” initiated by Police Scotland to gather public input before making any decisions about deploying the technology. The consultation effort also includes the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner and has been underway since mid-2024. However, Police Scotland has noted that the online survey is not statistically representative of the broader Scottish population.
Technology, Accuracy, and Implementation Challenges
LFR systems use artificial intelligence to compare faces captured on video feeds against police databases. When monitoring live camera footage, the system automatically checks for matches against a designated watchlist. Police Scotland says that if an individual is not on the list, their image is pixelated and deleted “in a fraction of a second.” Confirmed matches prompt alerts to officers for further investigation.
Despite interest in the technology, recent assessments have found that the quality of existing custody photographs, taken between 2019 and 2024, is too poor for reliable facial recognition use. This finding, reported by the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, indicates that significant upgrades would be required before any system could be effectively deployed.
Legal and Public Oversight Considerations
The debate surrounding LFR in Scotland reflects deeper concerns about the absence of primary legislation specifically governing the technology’s use. Critics have raised questions about legal clarity, potential algorithmic bias, and the risks of surveillance misuse. The Scottish Police Authority has emphasized that any operational deployment would require further consultation and oversight.
Police Scotland’s interest in LFR follows its successful use by other police forces in the UK. The London Metropolitan Police, for example, reported making more than 500 arrests using live facial recognition in 2024. Proponents cite such figures as evidence of the technology’s value in identifying individuals involved in serious crime.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell has voiced support for evaluating LFR as a tool to identify violent offenders. She has stated that it would be negligent not to explore the technology’s potential, though she has also stressed that no final decisions have been made and that public engagement will continue to guide the force’s approach.
Source: The Scotsman, Police Scotland, Wired-gov
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By Cass Kennedy
