# Police watchdog warns facial recognition errors risk wrongful arrests of ethnic minorities

> Original title: Facial recognition errors put ethnic minorities at risk of wrongful arrest, police watchdog warns

- Source: The Guardian · AI
- Published: 2026-11-12T00:01:03.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/ivrh10vw3ts2f7mxygn7sh2hv
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/nov/12/facial-recognition-errors-put-ethnic-minorities-at-risk-of-wrongful-arrest-police-watchdog-warns

## Summary

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary says police risk arresting innocent people, especially from ethnic minorities, if they treat inaccurate retrospective facial recognition results as evidence. The report, published Wednesday, finds the technology is beset by errors and bias, and says some investigators did not know the results were intelligence requiring further inquiries. Inspectors also say there is no comprehensive statutory framework governing the technology's use.