Use of Facial Recognition Technology to Identify and Stop Perpetrators of Petty Crimes

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the police deploy facial recognition technology to identify perpetrators of petty crimes, such as bicycle theft; and (b) what impediments exist in holding such perpetrators accountable once identified.

Mr K Shanmugam: To the extent that there are closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) available where the crimes are committed, including petty theft, the Police may use facial recognition technology to try to identify the culprits and follow-up as appropriate.