With the deployment of AI technologies like live facial recognition and predictive policing in various policing settings, UK police forces are experiencing both efficiencies and ethical dilemmas. While proponents highlight the improved efficiency, concerns about privacy invasions and biases persist, sparking debates on the ethical implications and accuracy of these technologies.
AI Technology in British Policing: An Overview
Deployment of AI in Policing
Since 2015, UK police forces have incorporated AI technologies, including live facial recognition (LFR), predictive policing, and AI-enhanced surveillance, which foresee potential criminal activities. These technologies are operational across various settings such as public streets, supermarkets, football stadiums, and roadways.
Live Facial Recognition in Police Work
Live Facial Recognition (LFR) is employed to identify wanted individuals in real time. London’s Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police are noted for their extensive use of LFR. In 2023, South Wales Police used LFR eight times, scanning 156,032 faces and making one arrest, while the Metropolitan Police deployed it 73 times, scanning 146,157 faces and making 209 arrests.
AI Cameras on Highways
National Highways has trialed AI-powered cameras designed to detect traffic violations like mobile phone use and seatbelt compliance. These trials, conducted by Safer Roads Humber and other collaborators, began in 2021 and are expected to continue until 2025.
Facial Recognition in Retail
In 2022, Project Pegasus saw UK retailers, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, collaborating with police to implement AI facial recognition in stores. Systems like Facewatch enable stores to preemptively identify potential shoplifters.
Predictive Policing
Tools like SPSS (used by Avon and Somerset Police) generate risk scores for individuals based on historical data to foresee criminal activities. Hertfordshire Police’s HARM tool assesses geographic areas for potential crime risks using socioeconomic indicators.
Monitoring Football Stadiums
AI facial recognition has also been deployed at football events. For instance, the Metropolitan Police used LFR at the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham in 2023, resulting in three arrests.
Public and Expert Reactions
Civil rights groups, including Big Brother Watch, express concerns about privacy invasions and biases within these AI systems. Legal and operational challenges have also been noted, including a court ruling against South Wales Police’s LFR trial in 2020 for privacy violations.
Conclusion
While proponents argue for the efficacy of AI in improving police efficiency, there is ongoing debate about the ethical implications and accuracy of these technologies.
