1.24 Super recognisers

Super Recognisers are individuals with exceptional ability to identify faces, even under challenging conditions such as poor-quality CCTV footage or varied lighting. This project, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police’s Super-Recogniser Unit, explores how these individuals process faces differently from the general population. Through a series of cognitive tests, researchers from The Open University’s Centre for Policing Research and Learning found that super-recognisers excel in memory and holistic face processing tasks, which are crucial for identifying suspects and linking crimes.

The research also revealed that super-recognisers are not a homogenous group—different individuals show strengths in different types of face processing. Understanding these variations can help tailor roles within policing units and improve operational effectiveness. The project highlights the need for further study to better define and deploy these unique cognitive skills in law enforcement.

Outputs