Live Facial Recognition survey: Dorset residents have their say

Live Facial Recognition survey: Dorset residents have their say

Last week Dorset Police have put out a video about the use of Live Facial Recognition in Dorset.

My office has been instrumental in providing Dorset Police with public feedback on the proposed use of LFR and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in the survey and shared their thoughts and opinions.

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I believe it is vital that new policing technology is subject to public scrutiny and that local people have the opportunity to have their voices heard on such subjects. That's why, ahead of Dorset Police's planned introduction of LFR later this year, we conducted a four-week public consultation from 16 April to 14 May 2026.

I am pleased that 1,068 Dorset residents took part in the survey, providing valuable feedback on this important issue. The results showed that 74% of respondents support the use of Live Facial Recognition, compared with 23% who oppose it, with only 4% remaining neutral. These findings broadly mirror national research commissioned by the Home Office, although views in Dorset were found to be more strongly held overall. 

The survey also revealed that awareness of LFR is much higher locally than nationally, with 78% of Dorset respondents already familiar with the technology. This demonstrates the importance of continuing to provide clear information about how LFR works, the safeguards in place, and how it can help identify wanted offenders and protect vulnerable people. 

The findings highlighted lower levels of support among younger people and residents from ethnic minority backgrounds. These views matter, and I have recommended that Dorset Police carry out further targeted engagement with these groups to better understand their concerns and ensure their perspectives are reflected in future decision-making. 

It is clear that the majority of respondents had strong overall support for LFR with an acknowledgement that this technology could prove useful when it comes to detecting crime, deterring offenders, locating wanted criminals, and protecting vulnerable people. 

I will continue to scrutinise Dorset Police as they introduce the use of this technology and ensure its use is transparent, proportionate and subject to robust oversight.

I am grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute. Your feedback will help shape how Dorset Police introduce and uses this technology as we work together to keep Dorset one of the safest counties in the country.

David Sidwick
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset