Live Facial Recognition is being used in Norwich City Centre, today
Norfolk Police say the equipment will be used to find those who are a risk to the public or wanted by authorities
Police here are using Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology for the first time in Norwich city centre- today.
Officers say the equipment works by comparing a live camera feed of faces against a pre-determined watchlist.
How does this work & Where will this be taking place?
The watchlist is made up of individuals who present the greatest harm and risk to the public such as suspects wanted for serious violence.
This system will alert officers to any faces which match someone on the watchlist.
Norfolk Police they will then review the alert, carry out further checks to determine if the person is a suspect and take appropriate action.
All other faces scanned by the system which do not provide a match are deleted immediately and permanently.
Officers will be using a marked van and the recognition zone will be clearly signposted when the technology is in use and officers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
What does Norfolk Police say to those who are worried?
The Force says the deployments will 'comply with all necessary legal and regulatory standards'.
Inspector Toby Gosden said: “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.”