Citizen Perceptions of Law Enforcement Use of Facial Recognition Technology

Use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in criminal investigations is potentially controversial in terms of privacy rights. This study involved examining public perceptions regarding police officers’ use of FRT in criminal investigations. A qualitative research method and descriptive design were used to explore participants’ perceptions of FRT. The procedural justice theory and a pragmatic paradigm guided this general qualitative research. The target population for the study was 10 participants from the United States. Results of this study showed privacy concerns involved a lack of public anonymity and the risk of data breaches due to facial recognition. This shows use of FRT deprives individual anonymity and has negative implications on data privacy and long-term storage. Transparency from law enforcement and consent for use of FRT in public spaces as well as public consent are necessary. The study contributed to positive social change in that it also included critical information regarding use of FRT, errors and misuse, risk of misidentification and lack of accountability for private companies, and challenges to FRT adoption for law enforcement. FRT has led to diverse public concerns that should be addressed to enhance legitimacy of law enforcement to use it.