Facial recognition set to be used by police in Norwich for first time
New technology aims to enhance public safety in city centre
Norfolk Police is preparing to deploy Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Norwich city centre for the first time this week.
The new equipment is designed to identify individuals who pose risks to public safety, including those wanted by police or the courts, or those with court orders preventing them from entering specific areas.
Using a live camera feed, the system will compare faces to a pre-determined watchlist of individuals deemed most harmful, such as those wanted for serious violent crimes.
The system alerts officers if a match is found, prompting further checks and appropriate action.
Non-matching faces are deleted immediately, and the watchlist is erased after deployment following national guidance.
On Sunday (22 March) Norfolk Police will utilise a marked van for this deployment and the recognition zone will be clearly signposted.
Officers will be available to address questions from the public.
Inspector Toby Gosden of Norfolk Police expressed confidence in the technology, noting its positive results elsewhere in the UK.
“We’re excited to use LFR in Norwich for the first time. We have seen how successful the technology has been in other forces around the country and are looking forward to replicating the results in Norfolk.
"Our officers will not be monitoring the daily business of the local community but instead working to secure justice for victims of crime and finding dangerous people on our streets.
“If you have any questions about the technology or concerns about your privacy and freedoms, please speak to our officers. We will always be open and honest about how and when it will be used.”