Live Facial Recognition vans to return to Southampton city centre next week

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) vans will return to Southampton city centre from Monday 9 February as part of ongoing police efforts to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

The deployment follows a previous operation carried out shortly before Christmas, which supported Op Predict patrols focused on preventing crime and improving public safety.

Specialist officers trained in the use of the technology will work alongside local policing teams. The operation aims to identify individuals wanted for serious offences, deter criminal activity and provide reassurance to businesses, residents and visitors.

Live Facial Recognition technology compares live camera footage against a watchlist of individuals wanted by police. Images of members of the public who are not on the watchlist are not retained, and the use of the technology is subject to strict legal safeguards and oversight.

Officers will be present during the deployment to answer questions from the public and provide further information about how the technology is used.

More details about Live Facial Recognition, including how it operates and the safeguards in place, are available on the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.