Facial recognition technology in law enforcement- a scoping review of existing empirical studies

This scoping review maps empirical research on law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology (FRT) for identification purposes. A systematic search of five databases, with no time restrictions, identified 11 studies published between 2020 and 2024. Most were U.S.-based, survey-driven, drawing on diverse theoretical frameworks. The evidence clusters around two themes: public perceptions and operational outcomes. Perception-focused studies dominate, emphasizing how trust, legitimacy, privacy, political orientation and media shape public acceptance. Limited and mixed operational evidence suggests possible gains in investigative efficiency and public-safety outcomes in serious-crime contexts, though the evidence base remains thin and lacks system-level detail needed to assess effectiveness and equity. This thematic imbalance limits understanding of FRT’s effectiveness and risks in practice. While the evidence base remains limited, growing scholarly attention signals an emerging research trajectory. Policy implications underscore the need for transparent evaluation, inter-agency coordination and enforceable oversight to ensure responsible, equitable FRT use.