ABSTRACT
This chapter examines biometric facial recognition, one of the most rapidly developing methods of biometric identification for police and government agencies around the world. There are a number of features of facial recognition that differentiate it from the other biometrics. These include its capacity for integration with other technologies, such as closed circuit television (CCTV), to facilitate covert tracking. The chapter examines the applications of facial recognition, including border control, public surveillance and the identification of unknown suspects. It then explores the development of facial recognition databases in several jurisdictions around the world, highlighting the fact that many facial recognition databases are drawn from established administrative databases, such as driver's licence photograph databases. The chapter also discusses some of the emerging issues that relate to the establishment of facial recognition databases, and the increasing use of facial recognition technology, including accuracy, and existing regulatory oversight and accountability mechanisms.
