Whether Police Deploy Facial Recognition Technology to Identify Perpetrators of Petty Crimes

Question:

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask 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.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. To the extent that there are 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.