This trial follows a review of the use of facial recognition technology from 2020 to 2022 to address retail crime, particularly refund fraud, at major national retailers. The Australian Retail Council has applauded the trial, with CEO Chris Rodwell stating that Western Australia deserves recognition for its proactive approach to protecting retail workers.
"Stronger penalties for assaults on retail workers, the introduction of legislation to establish Retail Barring Orders and now the trial of suspect matching technology recognise that protecting frontline workers requires a range of practical measures," he said.
"Suspect matching technology isn't about tracking shoppers or building databases of customers. It's only about identifying a small group of known, high-harm repeat offenders responsible for a disproportionate amount of retail crime before another retail worker gets hurt."
About 20 per cent of incidents involve threats, aggression, intimidation, harassment or other serious behaviour. Repeat offenders – accounting for 10 per cent of all offenders – are up to four times more likely to be violent and are responsible for about 60 per cent of retail crime incidents.
Public support for suspect-matching technology is strong, with about 80 per cent backing its use to identify individuals involved in retail threats and assaults. Rodwell emphasised the need for strong privacy protections and responsible use of suspect-matching technology.
"We want to work constructively with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, governments, unions and community representatives to develop a clear national framework that gives retailers, workers and the community confidence about how suspect matching technology should be used," he said.
"Technology won't solve retail crime on its own, but used responsibly, it can become another important tool in preventing violence before it occurs."
According to the WA government, the biometric data is collected only when an alert is generated. Alert details are kept for investigations of offences or complaints and are not shared with third parties.
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