Police Scotland is being urged to adopt live facial recognition technology to crack down on violent crime and football disorder. In his latest annual report, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Craig Naylor has called on both the Scottish Government and policing to “be ambitious” in rolling out the tools. He said when used responsibly, drones and facial recognition technologies could “reduce the threats posed to the public from high-risk sex offenders, organised crime groups, violent offenders and others whose activities cause significant harm to communities”. He advised “the challenge” for public sector leaders was “not whether to adopt these technologies, but how quickly they can do so safely, ethically and effectively”. Mr Naylor said: “Police and law enforcement partners must seek to exploit, with appropriate safeguards in place, advancements in operational technology such as remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) and facial recognition. “The public sector should be ambitious in harnessing innovation to improve services while preserving public trust and accountability by explaining the case for use of these new capabilities.” He stressed that football disorder, such as that seen when Rangers played Celtic in the Scottish Cup quarter-final in March, where rival fans clashed after a pitch invasion, “cannot continue to be tolerated”. Mr Naylor branded the incident “deeply concerning” and cited severe failures in planning and matchday safety. Warning of the “increasing threat of violence and disorder”, he said football clubs themselves, their governing bodies, local authorities and supporter groups must all “share responsibility with policing” in tackling the problem. He suggested an enhanced risk assessment process be put in place, along with mandatory multi-agency planning exercises for high-risk matches, stronger stewarding arrangements, improved segregation of rival supporters and “consistent use of evidence-led sanctions against those involved in violence or disorder”. Mr Naylor said: “Elements such