The use of facial recognition technologies (FRT) by the police raises many questions. This article presents a multidisciplinary approach to the problem. First, it gives a detailed description of the various technical terms surrounding this technology, as well as its different types of use (1:1, 1:n, n:n). A survey shows that not all stakeholders interested in using FRT have a full understanding of the technology. The article also presents another made survey of Swiss police forces on their possible use of FRT. The authors discuss a human-centered approach to recognition in public spaces and the use of Super Recognizers. Generally speaking, there is a clash between the fundamental right to respect for informational self-determination and the state’s interest in using FRT for public safety purposes. There must be a formal legal basis describing the specific features of the processing. Certain legal bases do exist, however, allowing FRT to be used to a greater or lesser extent, such as in the fight against hooliganism and international border surveillance. The possibilities offered by criminal law are limited and legislative revisions are needed to extend them. Finally, the authors give recommendations on possible uses and desirable legislative developments from the point of view of respect for the physical persons’ private lives.