The Ethics of Facial Recognition in Police Practice: Beyond the Usual Concerns

Purpose: This paper aims to outline an ethical framework for the deployment of facial recognition technology (FRT) in policing practice and highlight the ethical significance of the facial image.

Design/methodology/approach: This paper sets out an ethical approach to the practice of facial recognition deployment derived from Emmanuel Levinas’ Ethics of the Face. Ideas concerning alterity and the role of the face as a source of ethical obligation are used to establish the significance of responsibility and accountability in FRT usage.

Findings: Reflecting on the ethics of the face suggests that facial recognition amplifies requirements for accountability and responsibility in comparison with other biometric techniques and requires stronger legal safeguards.

Practical implications: This paper offers practical improvements through: improved process in applying FRT and changes to information management practice which treat the facial image with heightened accountability and traceability. Training is suggested which creates an understanding of the face and an improved approach to the information management of FRT data. Recommendations are made on selection of officers deployed in the field.

Originality/value: Using Levinas’ concept of the face and ethical philosophy provides a unique and novel lens for characterizing the legal and ethical issues concerning FRT in police practice and results in new insights as to the productive use of FRT in public policing.