MPS to use live facial recognition cameras at Notting Hill Carnival

But the force stressed the technology will be used only on the approaches to Carnival, not within the boundaries of the Bank Holiday event.

Officers will be searching for people who are marked as being wanted on the Police National Computer, those who are shown as missing (including young people who may also be at risk of either criminal or sexual exploitation) and those subject to sexual harm prevention orders because of the risk they pose, particularly to women and girls.

The MPS said: “During the Bank Holiday weekend we will be using LFR cameras on the approach to and from Carnival, outside the boundaries of the event itself, to help officers identify and intercept those who pose a public safety risk before they get to the crowded streets of Notting Hill, and to ensure those attending are able to get home safely.

“We will be deploying screening arches at some of the busiest entry points, using stop and search powers to prevent knives and other deadly weapons being carried at Carnival.”

The MPS said its activity has already started with a focus on deterring or preventing those who pose the greatest threat to public safety and the security of Carnival:

“We are sharing intelligence with forces across the country to identify those violent gangs who are planning to attend Carnival,” the force said.

“We are working with others, including local authorities and the courts, to seek banning orders to exclude those attending who have a history of violence or sexual offending at Carnival.

“We are carrying out pre-emptive intelligence-led arrests and searches of those believed to be in possession of weapons or involved in the supply of drugs. Last year there were 160 such arrests prior to the event for offences including possession of firearms, drugs supply, rape and other serious sexual assaults.”

The force is appealing for anyone with information about groups or individuals intending to engage in violence at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival to come forward.

Officers are also working with the independent charity Crimestoppers as part of a plan to keep Carnival free from knife crime, serious violence and violence against women and girls.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, the police commander for this year’s event, which is being held from Saturday August 23 to Monday August 25, said: “Notting Hill Carnival is an iconic event in London’s cultural calendar which is celebrated by many from across the capital, the UK and beyond.

“With less than six weeks to go before this year’s event, the Met continues to work closely with organisers and partners to ensure it’s a safe and spectacular experience for those visiting.

“Regrettably, amongst the millions of carnivalists who have attended over many years there has been a tiny minority of individuals intent on causing serious harm to others, including violent crime and sexual offences.

“Their actions stand in stark contrast to the traditions and values of Carnival and I welcome those voices in the community who have stood up to condemn violence and serious criminality at the event. I fully support the organisers’ recent announcement of a new, innovative partnership with the Elba Hope Foundation to divert young people away from crime and particularly knife crime.

“Carnival’s growing popularity and size creates unique challenges. Around 7,000 officers and staff will be deployed each day over the coming August Bank Holiday weekend. Their priority is to keep people safe, including preventing serious violence, such as knife crime and violence against women and girls.”

LFR cameras capture live footage of people passing by and compare their faces against a bespoke watchlist of wanted offenders.

If a match is detected, the system generates an alert. An officer will then review the match and decide if they wish to speak with the individual.

Officers conduct further checks, such as reviewing court orders or other relevant information, to determine if the person is a suspect.

Importantly, an alert from the system does not automatically result in an arrest – officers make a decision about whether further action is necessary following engagement, the MPS said.

It added: “There are robust safeguards in place regarding LFR. 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 has once again partnered with the independent charity Crimestoppers to make it easier for anyone with information to report it anonymously.

Mr Ward added: “The best way to prevent serious crime at Carnival, including violence and sexual offending, is to intervene and target the small number of dangerous offenders before they get to the event.

“If you know anyone who may be planning to take a knife or weapon to Carnival, if you worry that they’re part of a group going with the intent to commit offences or confront rival groups, or that they are being put under pressure or being exploited, or if you have any other information that could help, then please speak up and stand up for Carnival. In doing so, you could be saving a life.”