Suspects identified during facial recognition trial

Norfolk Police said two suspects had been apprehended during its first trial of live facial recognition (LFR) technology.

The force used two marked vans in Norwich city centre on Sunday as part of the trial. The technology alerted officers to people walking past the vans whose faces matched those of people on the police's watchlist.

In January, the government revealed plans to increase the number of LFR vans from 10 to 50 across England and Wales.

Insp Toby Gosden said the cameras allowed police to "monitor those people who are causing the most harm to our communities".

Police said Sunday's enforcement operation identified one man wanted for failing to appear in court.

A second man was identified as being subject to a sexual harm prevention order. He was spoken to by officers, who established he was not in breach of any conditions, so no further action was taken.

The vans were loaned to the Norfolk force by Bedfordshire Police for Sunday's operation.

Gosden said that while one of the vans was "live", the other was used for community engagement and allowed officers to allay any concerns the public had about the technology.

He said images that triggered alerts would be deleted within 24 hours. The images and biometric data of people who did not cause alerts are automatically and immediately deleted.

Gosden added that the technology's use would follow national guidance, with the public being informed at least five days in advance.

"[LFR technology] is really exciting. We have to evolve with technology like we have in the past with ANPR and CCTV. This will assist police to find those who are wanted." he said.

"If the Home Office offered us a van [of our own], I'd happily say yes."

The force will hold a further trial of the technology in Norwich on 28 March.

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