Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology

What is live facial recognition (LFR)?

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) compares a live camera feed of faces 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.

It analyses key facial features and generates a mathematical representation of these features. It then compares them against the mathematical representation of known faces in a database, generating possible matches.

Why are you using LFR now?

LFR is a tool that has been in development for a considerable amount of time. We are now at a stage where we are confident in its ability to accurately identify missing people or people of interest and support with wider policing aim to keep our community safe.

LFR is a powerful proactive policing tool that can support both the prevention of crime and resolution if investigations.

How is my privacy protected with the use of LFR?

Bedfordshire Police forces adhere to strict guidelines to ensure privacy protection. Data collected via LFR is handled according to data protection laws and regulations. Personal information is only retained if a match is made and deemed necessary for investigation purposes.

This means that all captures of individuals that do not match someone from our pre-established watchlist are immediately deleted. This is an automatic function and the data is irretrievable.

In relation to captures and data that do cause an alert, this is only kept for 24 hours. Again, this is an automatic function and the data is irretrievable.

All CCTV footage generated from a mobile CCTV deployment is deleted within 31 days. This information with only be kept in the following instances:

• In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, MOPI and the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996; and /or
• In accordance with Bedfordshire’s Police’s complaints / conduct investigation policies

We will never pass biometric data to third party agencies.

How accurate is LFR technology?

Historically there have been issues with Facial Recognition Technology and potential gender and ethnic bias. As the technology has developed over time this bias has reduced greatly.

An independent study conducted by the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) found that the false positive alert rate in the use of LFR to identify individuals against a predetermined watchlist is typically at 1 in 6000.

The practical application of this tactic by other police forces and accompanying data and results suggests the technology is more reliable than false positive alert rate forecast by the NPL study.

The full results are of the NPL’s commissioned report: ‘Facial Recognition Technology in Law Enforcement Equitability Study’ and further information about the testing can be found in the Test Strategy for Facial Recognition Technology in Law Enforcement Equitability Study.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure people aren’t wrongly matched or discriminated?

In an independent study conducted by the National Physics Laboratory (NPL), findings concluded that there is no racial or gender bias within the system.​

With that said, and in order to add a further layer of mitigation, all matches are reviewed by a specially trained officer who will required to access the capture and provide final confirmation on whether or not the match is correct. Only then will we engage with the individual.

Additionally, our use of LFR overseen by independent bodies and subject to regular audits to ensure accountability and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

What happens if the technology does make a mistake?

All alerts are first reviewed by a specially trained officer.

In the rare instance of a misidentification, our aim will always be to rectify the matter as quickly as possible, ensuring minimal distress to the individual and wider public.

All deployments are reviewed and assessed with the aim of establishing ay improvements that can be made.

Where is LFR be used deployed?

Currently, Bedfordshire Police does not own LFR technology. This is being provided by other forces through mutual aid. Deployments will be considered for large scale events and in crime hotspot areas.

Who is on your watchlist and how is it decided?

With each deployment of LFR, a new watchlist is collated.

These lists are made up of people wanted by Bedfordshire Police or the courts and/or are subject to strict court orders that they have failed to adhere to.

Unless you are on the Watchlist you cannot be matched. ​

How will I know when and where LFR will be deployed?

All deployments of LFR will be communicated via our website and social media channels. The results of each deployment will also be published on our website within 5 working days of its use.

Can the public opt-out of being scanned by LFR systems?

In public spaces where LFR is used, it is generally not feasible to opt-out.

Legally, people are allowed to avoid walking past a LFR camera or have their face covered without being stopped or arrested by an officer.

The only reasons an officer may intervene, is in the normal way if camera's weren't there; that an individual's behaviour appears suspicious, or in the very specific and rare circumstances where Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is in place for that area, meaning face coverings aren't allowed for the specified time it's live.

In either circumstance, officers are expected to use their normal policing powers and judgement.

Individuals have the right to enquire about how their data is being used and to challenge any misuse or inaccuracies.

How can individuals raise concerns or complaints about LFR use?

Concerns or complaints can be sent to [email protected].

What future advancements are expected in LFR technology?

Future advancements in LFR technology may include improvements in accuracy, better integration with other data sources, and enhanced capabilities for detecting individuals in diverse and challenging environments.

Will the use of LFR by Bedfordshire Police increase in the future?

At this stage, there are no plans to invest in the forces own technology. However, over time and in light of new developments this may change.