Live facial recognition technology to catch high-harm offenders in Sussex and Hampshire

Police forces in seven areas of England — including Sussex and Hampshire — are deploying vans equipped with live facial recognition (LFR) technology. These vehicles, fitted with advanced cameras, will patrol busy public locations, scanning the faces of passers-by and instantly comparing them against police watchlists of wanted individuals.

The rollout marks an expansion of surveillance capabilities, prompting strong criticism from civil liberties campaigners. Rights groups have described the development as “alarming,” warning it represents a major step toward increased state monitoring of the public. They argue that such systems risk infringing on privacy rights, normalising mass surveillance, and potentially misidentifying innocent people.

Supporters of the technology, however, highlight its operational successes. In London, where the Metropolitan Police have already been using LFR-equipped vans, the system has played a role in nearly 600 arrests. Those apprehended have included 52 registered sex offenders.

Police say the tool allows officers to identify and detain high-risk suspects more quickly, improving public safety.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Neighbourhood policing has been decimated over the last 15 years, but through our Plan for Change we are turning the corner, starting with town and city centres.

“Within the next year, we will have 3,000 new neighbourhood officers and PCSOs in place, which is a big shift. We also want them to have more powers to tackle off-road bikes, shop theft, street theft and other crimes that have blighted some of our town and city centres, so everyone can feel safe in their own town.

“And we will provide police with the tools they need to do their jobs. Facial recognition will be used in a targeted way to identify sex offenders or people wanted for the most serious crimes who the police have not been able to find.

“That’s why we’re funding 10 vans and also drawing up a new legal framework, so we’ve got proper safeguards and checks in place so that we can use the technology to go after the most dangerous criminals.”

Lindsey Chiswick, NPCC lead for facial recognition, said: “The police have a duty to prevent crime and keep the public safe. Live Facial Recognition supports effective policing, enabling officers to locate suspects quickly and accurately.

“The increased access to Live Facial Recognition vehicles to forces that previously did not have the capability is an excellent opportunity for policing. Each Live Facial Recognition deployment will be targeted, intelligence-led, within a set geographical location and for defined period of time, ensuring deployments are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

“Live Facial Recognition has already been used in policing to great success, locating thousands of wanted offenders, or others breaching their bail conditions.

“I am confident that the increased use of this technology will continue to support the safety of communities across the country moving forward.”