Retailers to Use Live Facial Recognition to Alert Police Within Seconds

Retail security technology provider Facewatch has announced a new feature that will automatically notify police in around four seconds when a high-risk repeat offender enters participating stores. The system is already used by major retailers including Sainsbury’s, Spar and B&M, with further expansion planned later this year.

Why this matters

This is a major development for the private security industry because it highlights the growing shift towards technology-led security rather than relying solely on physical guarding.

Supporters say the technology will:

• Reduce shoplifting and organised retail crime.
• Help protect staff from violence and abuse.
• Allow security teams to intervene before incidents escalate.

Critics argue:

• Facial recognition raises privacy and GDPR concerns.
• There is potential for false identifications.
• Clear regulation is needed before wider adoption.

What it means for businesses

Rather than replacing security officers, this type of technology is increasingly being used to support them. Security professionals will need to understand:

• AI-assisted surveillance
• Data protection responsibilities
• Incident management following technology alerts
• Integrating technology with physical security

For security companies, this reinforces the importance of offering a complete security solution, combining trained SIA-licensed officers with modern technology and robust procedures.