![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Professor William Webster has been appointed as the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, following an open competition held in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The position had been vacant since August 2024, with Francesca Whitelaw KC serving as Interim Biometrics Commissioner since July 2025. Professor Webster formally took up the role on 1 November 2025, with the appointment set to run for two years.
As Commissioner, his statutory responsibilities include overseeing the retention, use and destruction of DNA samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints by police forces in England and Wales, and promoting compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.
Professor Webster is Professor of Public Policy and Management at the University of Stirling and Director of the Centre for Research into Information Surveillance and Privacy (CRISP). His research has played a major role in shaping national policy on biometrics, surveillance ethics and digital governance.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Webster said he was “delighted” to take on the role at a time when new technologies such as biometrics and artificial intelligence are transforming the security landscape.
“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 ensure adherence to the Home Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.”
Professor William Webster.
Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones welcomed the appointment, adding: “Professor Webster 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.”
Upcoming webinar
Police forces are increasingly using live facial recognition as a tool to locate people on watch lists that have remained at large for a long time, sometimes years. It is a technology which polarises opinion when it comes to civil liberties but has the potential to save time, money and improve efficiency in policing.
Join us with our partner NEC Software Solutions as we take a deep dive into the world of live facial recognition in our upcoming webinar on 13 November at 2pm. Register here.
To read similar articles, check out our People and skills channel.
