UK government appoints new biometrics commissioner

The UK’s Home Office recently announced the appointment of the governor of Sheffield Hallam University as the government’s new biometrics commissioner.

According to a report in Police Professional, Professor Paul Wiles has taken over the role from Alastair MacGregor QC, who has completed his three-year tenure.

Professor Wiles has previously worked as an academic criminologist at a number of universities and until 2015, he served as an advisor to the Sentencing Council. Wiles was previously the chief scientific adviser to the Home Office and in addition to his governorship he is currently a trustee of the National Centre for Social Research.

“Legal regulation with independent oversight by a commissioner is essential for maintaining public trust in the holding and use of biometric material by the police,” commented Professor Wiles. “I am looking forward to this new role.”

Article Topics

Alastair MacGregor  |  biometrics  |  government  |  law enforcement  |  UK