Live facial recognition cameras used for first time

Live facial recognition technology was used by Essex Police for the first time at Clacton Airshow

Live facial recognition (LFR) technology used for the first time by a police force helped lead to three arrests during an airshow.

Essex Police made use of the technology for the first time at the Clacton Airshow on Thursday and Friday.

It can help to find people wanted for serious offences and at the airshow it provided five positive alerts leading to the three arrests.

Ch Supt Leighton Hammett said it showed LFR could "have a positive impact on investigations".

The technology was used from police vans parked at the airshow.

The arrests at the event related to a domestic assault and a common assault.

"We have been able to identify and speak to people we had been looking for in connection with ongoing investigations and either make arrests, make appointments, or get information which has furthered our enquiries," Ch Supt Hammett explained.

"This technology is an investment in our communities. It’s an effective way of finding people we want to speak to and keeping the public safe."

The vans will be operated next in Southend over the bank holiday weekend

The force trialled LFR technology in October 2023 which had similar positive results leading to three arrests including for rape and robbery.

"Criminals cannot think that they can walk around our communities without being caught," added Ch Supt Hammett.

As well as this the LFR can help enforce orders against those whose faces are put on a watch list and to protect those who are vulnerable and at risk of harm.

Essex Police said if your face is not on the watch list, the technology deletes your image in a fraction of a second.

It is not retained and it is not stored on a database. The system can also help recognise someone's face even if it is partially covered.

The vans will now be deployed in Southend on Sunday and bank holiday Monday.