Man arrested as facial recognition cameras launched

A facial recognition van with a camera was positioned in Harpur Street in Bedford town centre on Friday

One man was arrested during the first day live facial recognition (LFR) cameras were officially rolled out in a town centre.

Bedfordshire Police said the "innovative technology" was used in Bedford on Friday and 26,560 faces were scanned.

A man was questioned on suspicion of failing to appear at court for alleged fraud offences.

The force said the technology would next be used in the county on Friday, 26 September in Luton town centre.

Officers also engaged with a man, ensuring he was not in breach of court restrictions.

Officers were on hand to explain the technology, Bedfordshire Police said

Sgt Kim Coates said: "We know that new approaches can be unnerving for our communities, and we're committed to supporting the public in understanding the use of LFR."

He said an additional van was used to allow people to see the technology and to ask questions.

Two "confirmed positive alerts" were registered, the force said

The Labour Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire John Tizard said: "I welcome the use of LFR in Bedfordshire and am working to establish an independent Ethics Panel.

"This panel will scrutinise the results, assess the impact and review public reaction to ensure transparency and accountability."

The technology was last used in the town during the Bedford River Festival on 20 and 21 July 2024, when more than 415,000 faces were scanned, which led to three arrests or disposals, the force added.

Tizard said it will be used on a "more frequent basis".