Among the eleven retailers was Michael Hill International. The statement explains that verbal and physical abuse from repeat offenders poses a risk to their employees and customers and that these offenders are often responsible for significant violence, loss, or damage.
“We are firmly of the opinion that FRT, when used fairly and accurately, can be a valuable intervention to help keep customers and employees safe,” the statement read.
“It is a powerful and effective tool alongside other crime prevention resources such as security guards, fog cannons, staff training, body cameras, panic alarms, CCTV and other technology solutions.”
The statement continues: “A significant proportion of retail crime is committed by repeat offenders. It is these recidivist offenders that we are able to target with FRT.”
The statement follows a trial of facial recognition technology at Foodstuffs North Island, the findings of which were approved by NZ’s Privacy Commissioner.
It was also noted that a survey of 1,000 New Zealanders found 89 per cent support using facial recognition technology, even if it reduces harm by just 10 per cent.
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