WA Police Launch Real-Time AI Camera Surveillance to Catch Criminals
Nine.com.au
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Details
- Date Published
- 19 June 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 19 June 2026, 04:00 am
Description
WA Police will become the first force in the country to use real-time facial recognition in public spaces.
Summary
Western Australia Police have initiated the country's first real-time facial recognition program in public spaces, utilizing AI to match live video feeds against a database of specific targets. The deployment focuses on identifying high-risk offenders such as violent criminals and child sex offenders within designated high-crime areas. While the initiative demonstrates a significant escalation in domestic AI-driven surveillance capabilities, it raises critical governance questions regarding transparency, public consent, and the accuracy of biometric matching systems. This development reflects broader global trends in algorithmic policing and highlights the ongoing tension between technological public safety enhancements and civil liberties within Australian policy frameworks.
Body
sharesShare articleWA Police will become the first force in the country to use real-time AI-generated facial recognition in public spaces.The state government on Friday launched the Overt Live Facial Recognition program with a trial of the cameras at the police academy in Joondalup.File image: A surveillance camera. WA Police will become the first in the country to use real-time AI-generated facial recognition. iStockAdvertisementThe technology monitors groups of people from police vans and compares faces against a database of targets in real-time.Initial monitoring is being launched in areas at high risk of crime.Senior police officers say the technology can quickly identify known criminals, such as violent individuals and child sex offenders.“Live Facial Recognition is about using modern technology responsibly to keep our community safe. It allows police to focus on individuals who present a real risk, while the vast majority of people go about their day without any impact at all,” WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said.“Live Facial Recognition is about protecting people, not watching people. “It is another tool to help police find the right people, at the right time, for the right reasons.“This technology is the way forward when it comes to supporting frontline policing. “It’ll help to get high-risk offenders off the streets sooner and reunite vulnerable people with safety and care more quickly.”AdvertisementTo maintain transparency, signs warning the public are posted.Since last October, AI cameras have been deployed on WA roads to catch motorists speeding and carrying out other driver infringements.Related URLSerious questions over whether road cameras keep Aussie drivers safeBut the move has proved controversial, with thousands of drivers successfully appealing and wiping $2.2 million in fines.AdvertisementAdvertisementDespite the AI traffic camera backlash, the WA government plans to roll out even more within the next six months.The opposition says the government needs to iron out the issues before launching more.WA police launch real-time AI camera surveillance to catch criminalsGina Rinehart’s mining giant to slash hundreds of jobsTradie’s mysterious death on roadside likely a homicideFather of Australian girl shot dead in Pakistan calls for justice