New Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner announced
Professor William Webster, an expert in surveillance at the University of Stirling, has been appointed as the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner.
An internationally renowned expert in his field, Professor Webster has played a significant role in shaping national policy on biometrics and surveillance across the UK.
As Commissioner, his statutory functions include promoting compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, and overseeing the retention, use and destruction of DNA samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints by police forces in England and Wales.
Professor Webster has worked closely with parliamentarians in the UK and Scottish governments and recently advised Police Scotland on the roll-out of body-worn cameras. He is also founder and inaugural Director of the Centre for Research into Information Surveillance and Privacy (CRISP), a partnership of the University of Stirling and other UK universities.
As Professor of Public Policy and Management at the University of Stirling Business School, Professor Webster has helped establish surveillance studies as an academic topic area and been at the forefront of research on the subject. His expertise and research span governance structures, public policy and delivery of technologies, including surveillance cameras, drones, body-worn cameras and DNA.
Professor Webster said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the next Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner.
“Developments in new technology, around, for example, biometrics and artificial technology, mean that this office will play an increasingly important role in safeguarding the rights of citizens whilst contributing to keeping the UK safe and secure.
“My focus will be to oversee police applications to retain biometric material and the evolution of, and adherence to, the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.
“I bring to the office over 25 years of academic experience researching the governance of surveillance, with specific expertise in the regulation and provision of surveillance cameras, surveillance ethics, oversight mechanisms and digital government.
“I look forward to working with stakeholders and the office in shaping the regulatory landscape around biometrics and surveillance cameras, and in fulfilling the significant statutory roles associated with this position.”
Policing and Crime Minister, Sarah Jones said: “I welcome Professor Webster’s appointment to this vital role. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field. I look forward to working with him to ensure our use of biometrics and surveillance continues to uphold public trust, safeguard privacy, and support effective policing.”
The post had been vacant since August 2024, with Francesca Whitelaw KC serving as Interim Biometrics Commissioner since July 1 this year.
Professor Webster is stepping back from academia for the two-year role, which he formally started on Saturday (November 1).
Professor Kevin Grant, Dean of Stirling Business School, said: “William’s appointment is well-deserved and is testament to his unrivalled and world-renowned expertise in biometrics, surveillance, privacy and national security. It also underlines the University of Stirling’s reputation for research in these fields and the importance of us continuing this essential work.”
Professor Webster joined the University of Stirling in 2000. He gained his undergraduate degree from Nottingham Trent University and his PhD from Glasgow Caledonian University.