West Yorkshire Police rolls out facial recognition but says it won't be used for 'mass surveillance'
Several vans equipped with the tech have already been deployed in Leeds
Last updated 6th Nov 2025
West Yorkshire Police has announced it is rolling out live facial recognition technology in 'carefully selected authorised locations' across the county.
The force says marked vans containing the tech will be used to trace people wanted or who pose a risk to the public.
The vans will also be used to find missing people and identify key witnesses to serious offences.
The technology scans faces in real time before comparing them to a database of people being sought by police.
Two facial recognition vans were used in Leeds city centre for the first time earlier this week.
The deployment of similar technology elsewhere has led to concerns from civil liberties campaigners about privacy, though West Yorkshire Police insists usage will the 'intelligence-led and proportionate, with a clear focus on tackling serious crime'.
Chief Inspector Daniel Tillett, who is leading the rollout of the technology for West Yorkshire Police, said: “Live Facial Recognition is being introduced as part of our commitment to keeping the people of West Yorkshire safe, protecting vulnerable people and reducing crime.
“It is a really useful tool that will assist officers in their day-to-day work.”
“We understand that the use of facial recognition technology raises important questions about privacy and civil liberties. That’s why we are committed to using LFR in a transparent, proportionate, and accountable way.
“The technology will only be used in specific circumstances where there is a clear policing purpose and need. It will always be accompanied by clear signage and oversight.
“Our aim is to use this as a tool to help locate dangerous individuals, safeguard the public, and support victims of crime — not to monitor ordinary people going about their daily lives.
“We have worked closely with legal and ethical experts to ensure that the use of LFR complies with all relevant legislation, including data protection and human rights laws.”