UK police forces deploy live facial recognition technology

British police forces have expanded the use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology to assist in crime prevention and public safety.

Devon and Cornwall Police have deployed an LFR-equipped van to locate wanted individuals. The system compares live camera feeds against a pre-determined watchlist, with officers on the ground reviewing any potential matches before engaging. Authorities stated that images of individuals not on the watchlist are “automatically and permanently deleted within seconds” to address privacy concerns.

Simultaneously, the British Transport Police (BTP) has launched a trial of LFR technology at selected Transport for London (TfL) stations. This initiative aims to tackle serious offences, including robbery, knife crime, and sexual assault. The trial is specifically intended to improve safety for women and girls on the transport network, following research indicating high rates of unwanted sexual behaviour and safety concerns among female passengers.