Facial recognition to be used in four town centres

Live facial recognition (LFR) cameras are to be used across four town centres.

Northamptonshire Police said the cameras would be deployed in Northampton on 27 March, 10 and 24 April, and 22 and 29 May.

They will also be used in Kettering on 30 April, in Corby on 8 May and in Wellingborough on 13 May.

The force emphasised the system would not be used for general surveillance, but would compare captured images in real-time against a pre-determined 'watch list' of people linked to crime or considered a risk.

The cameras are being used as part of Operation Relentless - a new police campaign across Northamptonshire that aims to catch people who pose the greatest risk to the public.

Det Ch Supt Steve Watkins, said: "We know it gets busier in the summer and that there are more people out. We want to maximise our opportunity to identify people who are wanted, high‑risk or outstanding."

Northamptonshire Police previously used LFR cameras as part of its policing operation at the British Grand Prix, and last year arrested six people over various offences.

Police said they would only use live facial recognition in clearly marked areas.

A force spokesperson said: "Members of the public will see signage in place around any operational areas, and uniformed officers will be available to answer questions and provide reassurance."

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