West Yorkshire Police use facial recognition in Huddersfield

West Yorkshire Police successfully utilized live facial recognition (LFR) technology for the first time in Huddersfield town centre, resulting in three arrests. The operation, which took place over three days, targeted a known crime hotspot using camera-equipped vans stationed on King Street and New Street.

The individuals detained included a man suspected of domestic stalking, a person wanted on a warrant, and a suspected shoplifter. Additionally, officers identified and spoke with six individuals subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

According to police, the LFR system scans live feeds and compares faces against a specific watchlist of wanted individuals or those under court orders. To address privacy concerns, authorities stated that alerts are reviewed by trained officers before any action is taken and that biometric data from individuals not matching the watchlist is deleted almost immediately. West Yorkshire Police emphasized that the technology is a targeted tool for supporting front-line officers rather than a means for mass surveillance.