WA Police Trials Facial Recognition Van That Scans Every Face Nearby

The initiative has attracted criticism from a Greens senator and a privacy group.
WA Police Trials Facial Recognition Van That Scans Every Face Nearby
The new live facial recognition van in use by Western Australia Police. Screenshot from WA Police video.
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Police in Western Australia are using a purpose-built surveillance van equipped with 360-degree cameras and facial recognition technology, a move that has drawn criticism from civil libertarians.

At this stage the trial involves just one van, and police say the technology will pixelate the face and delete the image of anyone not on their “strictly controlled alert list,” which includes “people with warrants ... people that are non-compliant with lawful restrictions [and] people that are wanted for questioning for serious offences.”

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Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.