Police to use facial recognition technology at “specific events” in north Wales

Live facial recognition technology (LFR) is set to be used at “specific events” across the region, North Wales Police have confirmed.

It comes following a trial at Holyhead Port earlier this year to help identify suspects wanted for “priority offences” and missing people.

The technology operations by mapping people’s unique facial features and matching them against faces on watch-lists.

The use of such technology by police has led to concerns being raised by privacy campaigners over how data is stored and used.

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams North Wales Police’s head of operational support services, said that LFR will help to “keep the public safe and to help us identify serious offenders who pose a significant risk to our communities.”

Exact details of the events that the technology will be used at hasn’t been released by North Wales Police.

LFR compares a live camera feed of faces in a focused area against a predetermined watchlist in real-time.

It is used to locate persons of interest by generating an alert when a possible match is found.

According to North Wales Police before using LFR, a watchlist is created of persons that are wanted by the police and courts.

This may also include people who may pose a risk of harm to themselves or others.

When a possible match is identified an officer will compare the camera image to the person they see and decide whether or not to speak to them. The decision to speak to a person following a possible match will always be tt of a police officer.

An explanation will always be given to the person as to why they have been selected. They will also be given an informational leaflet with contact details if they have further questions.

Persons who are not included on a watchlist cannot be identified. The images and biometric data relating to persons who don’t cause an alert are automatically and immediately deleted.

Chief Superintendent Williams said: “Our primary aims in using this technology are to keep the public safe and to help us identify serious offenders who pose a significant risk to our communities.”

““I believe public support will continue as we work to use all available methods and technologies to keep our communities safe. We will always ensure that our use of LFR is legal, ethical and legitimate.”

North Wales Police say that in line with National Guidance it will “do everything reasonably possible to let people know when and where” LFR is being used in advance of any deployment.

The force adds that “any deployment will be accompanied by clearly identifiable signage.”

More information on its use in North Wales is available here.