Ethnic minority groups in Wales four times more likely to be target of police facial scans

South Wales police data show that ethnic minority individuals comprised 24% of those selected for facial‑recognition scans, even though they represent just 7% of the local population. The figures indicate that people from BAME backgrounds are four times more likely to be chosen for these checks than white residents. Officials highlighted the disparity as a potential sign of racial bias in policing practices. The release of the internal statistics has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of the technology’s use.

Exclusive: South Wales police figures show BAME people accounted for 24% of selected scans in 2025, despite being 7% of populationEthnic minority people are four times more likely than their white counterparts to be chosen for some police facial scans, according to official data, sparking warnings of racial bias.Internal figures released by South Wales police revealed that 24% of people selected by police for facial recognition checks were from ethnic minorities, despite this group making up only 7% of the area’s total population. Continue reading...