Croydon set for UK’s first permanent facial recognition cameras
The UK’s first permanent live facial recognition (LFR) cameras will be installed in Croydon as part of a pilot project.
The cameras will be attached to lampposts or buildings and will only be switched on when officers are using the technology in the area, according to the Met.
The system cross-checks a live camera feed of faces against a database of known identities and custody images to make arrests.
Big Brother Watch (BBW), a campaign group, has described the deployment of the technology as “dangerously authoritarian”, suggesting its use can distance police from criticism and “encourage a lack of accountability”.
The Met said it has no current plans to expand the project to any other sites in London, and the Croydon pilot will be subject to a full evaluation.
If a member of the public walks past an LFR camera and is not wanted by the police, their biometrics are “immediately and permanently” deleted.
The force also said that an alert from the system does not automatically result in an arrest.
When a match is generated, officers may engage with the individual to verify their identity and confirm their involvement in any offences.
Officers will also conduct further checks such as reviewing court orders or other relevant information, to determine if the person is a suspect.
A spokeswoman from the Met said: “We are committed to making London safer, using data and technology to identify offenders that pose a risk to our communities.
“Last year we made over 500 arrests using LFR – removing dangerous individuals who were suspected of serious offences, including strangulation, stalking, domestic abuse and rape.
“We continue to engage with our communities to build understanding about how this technology works, providing reassurances that there are rigorous checks and balances in place to protect people’s rights and privacy.”
Pictured top: A camera being used during trials at Scotland Yard for the new facial recognition system (Picture: PA)
