Facial Recognition Information

Facial Recognition Information

Facial Recognition for Suitable Security Applications

CustomLink can supply, install and configure facial-recognition and watchlist systems for suitable residential, commercial and retail security applications.

Facial recognition can help authorised users identify a possible return by a person associated with a documented security incident.

It may also help locate relevant footage and support faster staff response.

Facial-recognition systems do not replace staff judgement, normal CCTV, alarms, access control, physical security or established incident procedures.

How It Works

A compatible camera captures a face image and sends it to the recording or management system.

Depending on the approved setup, the system may compare the image with a restricted watchlist.

When a possible match is detected:

  1. The system generates an alert.
  2. An authorised person reviews the image.
  3. The person checks the available incident information.
  4. Any response is decided by a person, not by the system alone.

A match is not proof of identity or wrongdoing.

Accuracy can be affected by lighting, camera angle, image quality, movement, facial coverings and changes in appearance.

Suitable Uses

Facial recognition may be considered for purposes such as:

  • alerts relating to documented repeat offenders;
  • serious theft or loss-prevention risks;
  • threats, violence or staff-safety concerns;
  • restricted areas;
  • controlled entry applications; or
  • locating footage associated with a known incident.

The purpose and configuration should be assessed for each site.

Planning Before Activation

Before facial recognition is activated, the customer should confirm:

  • the reason the system is required;
  • which camera or cameras will use facial recognition;
  • the areas being monitored;
  • who may receive alerts;
  • who may approve watchlist entries;
  • who may search or export data;
  • temporary face-capture retention;
  • ordinary CCTV retention;
  • watchlist review periods;
  • entrance signage;
  • privacy information; and
  • staff alert-response procedures.

Biometric information used for identification is treated as sensitive information and generally requires stronger privacy safeguards than ordinary CCTV. (OAIC)

Data Retention

Temporary face captures should be kept only for the period reasonably required for the approved security purpose.

Keeping ordinary CCTV footage for a longer period does not necessarily mean temporary searchable face captures need the same retention period.

Where a later incident is identified, a suitable face image may be taken from retained normal CCTV footage and added to an approved watchlist after review.

This can reduce unnecessary retention of face captures while preserving the ability to investigate incidents.

Watchlist Management

A watchlist should be restricted and carefully managed.

CustomLink recommends that customers:

  • add a person only after a documented serious incident;
  • use a clear and relevant source image;
  • require approval from a nominated representative;
  • record the reason for inclusion;
  • set a review date;
  • remove entries that are no longer reasonably necessary;
  • limit access to authorised users; and
  • require human review of every match.

Customer Responsibilities

The customer operating the system is responsible for:

  • deciding why and how it will be used;
  • maintaining appropriate signage and privacy information;
  • approving watchlist entries;
  • managing users and permissions;
  • training staff;
  • reviewing retention settings;
  • handling alerts appropriately; and
  • responding to privacy questions or complaints.

CustomLink supplies and configures the technical system according to the approved project scope.

For further information about privacy responsibilities, authorised access, retention and data handling, refer to our Security Systems & Biometric Privacy page.

Templates Available

CustomLink can provide practical templates to help customers establish a clear and consistent process.

Available templates may include:

Entrance Notice

A short notice informing customers or visitors that facial recognition operates at the entrance or monitored location.

Full Privacy Notice

A more detailed explanation of:

  • the purpose of the system;
  • the information processed;
  • retention periods;
  • watchlist operation;
  • authorised access; and
  • privacy enquiries.

System Statement

A short record of the installed system, enabled cameras, retention settings and responsible users.

Staff Q&A and Alert Response

Plain-English guidance explaining:

  • which cameras use facial recognition;
  • what an alert means;
  • how staff should review a match;
  • what staff should not say or do; and
  • who handles privacy enquiries.

Watchlist Management Procedure

A process covering:

  • entry approval;
  • required incident evidence;
  • review dates;
  • removal;
  • exports; and
  • disputed or inaccurate entries.

Watchlist Entry and Review Form

A record for each watchlist addition and periodic review.

Incident Evidence Form

A record of footage or images preserved, exported or disclosed for an incident.

CustomLink Support

CustomLink can assist with:

  • product selection;
  • camera positioning;
  • system configuration;
  • retention settings;
  • watchlist setup;
  • authorised-user configuration;
  • entrance-signage templates;
  • staff-guidance templates;
  • remote support; and
  • on-site support in Brisbane.

CustomLink does not provide legal advice. Customers should obtain professional advice where appropriate for their organisation, location and intended use.

Related Information

Request Assistance

For help planning a facial-recognition security system:

Call: 1300 122 520
Email: sales@customlink.com.au
Request: Use the Request Callback form