Police Efficiency Technology 2026-03-23
2026-03-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about the use of technology to increase police efficiency and highlights issues such as wrongful arrests linked to live facial recognition systems.
What steps her Department is taking to use technology to increase police efficiency. In light of wrongful arrests linked to live facial recognition, will she reassure that deployment, oversight and auditing are subject to robust safeguards and when the framework for facial recognition will be published?
Police forces must comply with data protection, human rights, equality laws. Live facial recognition is only for targeted deployments to locate specific individuals on a watchlist. We have consulted on legal framework and are going through responses now, will bring forward proposals in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for when the facial recognition framework will be published
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about wrongful arrests linked to live facial recognition technology and the need for robust safeguards.
While recognising the importance of improving police efficiency, concerns exist regarding wrongful arrests due to racial bias in facial recognition systems. Will she ensure deployment, oversight and auditing are subject to robust safeguards and state when the framework will be published?
Police forces must comply with data protection, human rights laws. Live facial recognition is only for targeted deployments to locate specific individuals on a watchlist. We have consulted on legal framework and are going through responses now.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for when the facial recognition framework will be published
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that a merger of Lancashire and Cumbria police forces may lead to fewer officers in less populated areas.
The proposal for merging Lancashire and Cumbria police forces is being argued as improving police efficiency. However, there is risk that Cumbria's police force will be drawn down to larger urban centres in Lancashire. Does the Home Secretary agree it would be wise to call off this merger?
There are no planned mergers. An independent review is being carried out by Lord Hogan-Howe. The review will advise on number of regional forces needed. Local police areas will be key in reforms dealing with the issues raised.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether calling off the merger would be wise, instead stated there are no planned mergers and outlined independent review process
Response accuracy