Facial Recognition in Policing: What Agencies Should Know About Racial Disparities in Arrests

City police agencies that regularly used facial recognition showed larger Black-White arrest gaps, especially in adult arrests. The study does not show that facial recognition software alone caused those gaps. The more likely concern is that the technology deepens existing disparities depending on how and where it is used.

For police leaders, the bottom line is clear: treat facial recognition as an investigative lead, not standalone proof, and put strong rules around its use, including corroboration, documentation, supervision, training, and routine audits.