BTP expands facial recognition trial to Underground

The first deployment took place at Victoria Underground station on 11 August, with the technology set to rotate between Underground and Network Rail stations as the trial continues. The pilot has also been extended until November.

BTP said the expansion would allow it to assess how LFR performs in a different transport environment.

Deployments will be intelligence-led and focused on identifying people wanted by police or the courts, including those suspected of serious offences and people who may be breaching bail conditions or court orders.

The system scans faces within a defined area and compares them with an authorised watchlist. Where a potential match is generated, an officer reviews the alert and carries out further checks before deciding whether any action is required.

Chief Superintendent Chris Casey, BTP’s senior officer responsible for the project, said the force was continuing to refine how LFR was used across the railway network. “Our focus remains on protecting the public, preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice, while ensuring the technology is used lawfully, proportionately and transparently,” he said.

BTP said people who did not wish to enter an LFR recognition zone would have alternative routes available, while images of people not on the authorised database would be deleted immediately and permanently.