In a groundbreaking move to combat violence and high harm offences, three individuals have been arrested, including one on suspicion of rape, through the implementation of Live Facial Recognition technology.
This innovative technology was put to use for the first time in Essex, specifically in Southend High Street on Tuesday, October 24, and Chelmsford High Street on Wednesday, October 25. The deployment was made possible with the support of South Wales Police, the owners of the equipment.
The primary focus of this deployment was to target individuals listed in connection with high harm offences, such as violent or sexual crimes. The results were significant, with five positive alerts leading to arrests linked to rape and robbery investigations, as well as the apprehension of an individual with an outstanding warrant.
Additionally, a positive alert was triggered for an individual wanted for questioning in an ongoing sexual abuse case, who will be interviewed voluntarily at a later date.
“This was a really positive first deployment of Live Facial Recognition technology in Essex. Essex Police is a forward-thinking force and we are always looking at how new technology can help us keep people safe, catch criminals, and deter crime. As a result of this deployment we have three suspects in custody and have arranged an interview in connection with another investigation. This means that these investigations are able to be progressed as a direct result of our use of this technology. The vans also acted as a talking point with the public and gave us an opportunity to speak to them about its use and how it works. I’m pleased to say that the reaction we’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Explaining the functioning of the technology, Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings stated, “The Live Facial Recognition technology compares live camera feeds of faces against a predetermined database or ‘watch list’ of people of interest. Only images of specific individuals wanted or suspected in connection with high harm and/or violent crimes appear on that database. When there’s a positive match, appropriate action is taken by officers on the ground.”
Detective Superintendent Jennings reassured the public, saying, “We take your privacy very seriously and images of members of the public will not be stored. If you walk through an area where LFR is being deployed and you are not one of the specific people we’re trying to locate, your image will be immediately and automatically deleted. It’s not held on a database, it’s not remembered, and it’s not kept.”
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner emphasized the thoughtful consideration of this technology, ensuring its use is proportionate and in the public interest. The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has also been briefed, providing assurance to the public of Essex regarding the use of LFR cameras.
For more information about Live Facial Recognition Technology, please visit Essex Police website.
Source: Essex Police
