Avon and Somerset Police to introduce Live Facial Recognition technology
Avon and Somerset Police will be introducing Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in the coming weeks as part of our ongoing work to protect the public, prevent crime and safeguard vulnerable people.
The first deployment is planned to take place in Bath on Wednesday 25 November, subject to final operational authorisation. Additional information about the deployment, including timings and the deployment area, will be published in advance.
As part of our plans to introduce LFR, Avon and Somerset Police will be supported by South Wales Police, who have been using LFR technology operationally for some time.
An initial deployment using South Wales Police equipment and expertise will provide an opportunity to learn from an experienced force and understand the practical considerations involved in delivering LFR deployments. Avon and Somerset Police Officers will be deployed and engaging with the public during the operation.
The introduction of LFR follows engagement led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner with community representatives, academics and residents from across Avon and Somerset to help inform scrutiny and oversight arrangements for the technology.
How the technology works
Live Facial Recognition supports an established policing tactic by helping officers identify people on pre-authorised watchlists more effectively in crowded public spaces.
It is an overt policing capability that supports officers to identify people who are wanted by the courts, suspected of serious offences, or who may pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
LFR works by comparing facial images captured by live CCTV cameras, on a closed network, against a pre‑authorised watchlist, created specifically for each deployment based on clear policing objectives.
If the system identifies a possible match, trained police officers review the alert and may carry out further checks before deciding whether any action is necessary. The technology does not make decisions by itself.
All facial images captured that do not match someone on the watchlist are automatically and permanently deleted. Watchlists are deleted following each deployment in line with force policy and national guidance.
Overt deployment with clear safeguards
Any use of Live Facial Recognition by Avon and Somerset Police will be overt and clearly signposted.
The technology will be deployed using marked police vehicles, with signage positioned outside the Zone of Recognition and officers on hand to speak to members of the public and answer questions.
The use of LFR is governed by strict legal, data protection and equality safeguards, including senior officer authorisation for every deployment and detailed assessments to ensure its use is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Commitment to transparency and public confidence
Avon and Somerset Police recognises that the use of facial recognition technology prompts important questions around privacy and civil liberties.
We are committed to using LFR responsibly, ethically and transparently, with the sole aim of improving public safety and reducing harm. Information about deployments, safeguards and outcomes will be published where operationally appropriate.
For more information, please visit Live Facial Recognition Technology | Avon and Somerset Police
Inspector Stuart King KPM, Operational Lead for Live Facial Recognition said:
“As policing continues to evolve, it is important that we make appropriate use of proven technology that can help us prevent crime, protect vulnerable people and keep our communities safe. Used appropriately, Live Facial Recognition has the potential to help us locate wanted individuals more quickly, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent harm.
“We’re grateful for the support and experience South Wales Police is providing as we develop our own capability and introduce this technology within Avon and Somerset.
“As with any policing power or tactic, it will only be used where it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so. Deployments will be clearly signposted, subject to robust governance and oversight, and supported by a range of safeguards to ensure the technology is used responsibly and transparently.
“We recognise that people may have questions about Live Facial Recognition, which is why we are committed to being open about how it is used, the safeguards that are in place and the role it can play in helping us keep our communities safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said:
“As with any new technology or powers in operational policing, I know there will be concerns from communities about their effectiveness and how they will be used proportionately.
“I want to assure people in Avon and Somerset that I will be monitoring the police use of LFR closely and that I have worked with local communities and the police force to ensure fair and robust scrutiny processes are in place. Ahead of this announcement, I brought together community leaders, academics, experts and residents from across Avon and Somerset to discuss how the technology should be governed and to shape the scrutiny arrangements that will now be put in place.
“I welcome this constructive engagement between communities, Avon and Somerset Police and my office, which has helped ensure public concerns were considered from an early stage and will continue to be represented throughout ongoing scrutiny.”
For the PCC’s full statement including details on the scrutiny process that has been put in place, please visit the PCC’s news page: News – OPCC for Avon and Somerset