Crime, Culture, Political | Posted on April 20th, 2026 | return to news

Dorset Police to use facial recognition technology this summer

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner is asking residents what they think of the controversial technology.

Technology capable of picking and recognising faces in a crowd is set to be deployed in the streets of Dorset for the first time this summer, and Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick wants to know your opinion about it.

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology uses artificial intelligence to analyse digital images and video feeds.

It can be used to catch known criminals, but critics warn the technology can be biased and may pose a threat to personal privacy.

Dorset Police plan to use LFR vans to detect or deter crime and find wanted criminals. The technology compares a live camera feed against a secure, pre-determined watchlist which includes wanted for serious crimes

It analyses key facial features, comparing the live image against known faces in a database, generating possible matches. Police officers make the final decision as to whether an individual is approached, with the technology in place to recommend who should be approached and why.

According to Dorset Police, LFR vans will be clearly signposted, with upcoming locations publicised on the Dorset Police website and social media channels in advance. Images captured of people who are not on the pre-determined watchlist will be instantly deleted from the system.

Ahead of the technology’s deployment, PCC David Sidwick has launched a survey asking residents what they think about the technology ahead of its use in Dorset.

Sidwick said: “While I support the use of new technology which will help Dorset Police in the detection and apprehension of known offenders, a key part of my role as Dorset’s PCC is to ensure the use of technology such as LFR is properly and robustly scrutinised. I want to be very clear with the people of Dorset that this technology will be subject to strict safeguards to ensure fairness, transparency and privacy.

“As your voice in policing, I believe we should support measures which can make us safer but there may also be concerns regarding use of new technology and I want to hear from Dorset residents to help Dorset Police understand the public’s views.

“Public confidence, transparency, and accountability are central to effective policing, and your feedback plays an important role in shaping how Dorset Police continue to serve our communities. Thank you for your help in keeping Dorset one of the safest places in the country.”

To take part in the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LFRsurvey.

The survey is open until 14 May. For more information about how Dorset Police plan to use the technology, visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/about-us/live-facial-recognition/.