50,000 faces scanned in facial recognition technology trial in Norwich

More than 50,000 faces have been scanned in Norwich in a trial of live facial recognition technology.

Norfolk Police used two vans containing the cameras for three and a half hours in the city centre on Sunday 22 March.

The force says the technology works by comparing a live camera feed of faces against a pre-determined watchlist.

The watchlist is created with individuals who present the greatest harm and risk to the public.

All other faces scanned by the system which do not provide a match are deleted immediately and permanently, and the watchlist is deleted straight after the deployment.

There were two positive matches on the day with one man being identified as being wanted for failing to appear in court.

He was stopped by officers and also found to be in possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis.

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.

A member of the public approached officers during the deployment, reporting that a man was taking pictures of women within a nearby shop.

A man aged in his 70s was arrested on suspicion of upskirting and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

He has since been released on bail until 14 May 2026.

Insp Toby Gosden said: “We spoke to hundreds of people during the deployment, explaining how the tech works and how it was helping to keep Norwich safe.

“This was our first time using the vans and we received a really positive response.

"It was a great opportunity to engage with the public and local businesses whilst showing them exactly what this technology can do.

“It was a successful first deployment and we look forward to repeating it again this weekend.”