North Wales Police to use LFR technology at ‘specific events’
North Wales Police will use live facial recognition (LFR) at “specific events” across the region following its successful deployment earlier this year at Holyhead Port.
The force said the deployment will be in collaboration with South Wales Police.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, North Wales Police’s head of operational support services, said: “Our primary aims in using this technology are to keep the public safe and to help us identify serious offenders who pose a significant risk to our communities.”
A survey completed on behalf of the Information Commissioner in 2021 indicated that 82 per cent of respondents indicated that they were in support of the police using LFR.
Chief Supt Williams added: “I believe public support will continue as we work to use all available methods and technologies to keep our communities safe. We will always ensure that our use of LFR is legal, ethical and legitimate.”
North Wales Police said LFR compares a live camera feed of faces in a focused area against a predetermined watchlist in real-time. It is used to locate persons of interest by generating an alert when a possible match is found.
“When a possible match is identified an officer will compare the camera image to the person they see and decide whether or not to speak to them,” the force said.
“An explanation will always be given to the person as to why they have been selected. They will also be given an informational leaflet with contact details if they have further questions.”
In line with national guidance, North Wales Police said it will do “everything reasonably possible” to let people know when and where it is using LFR in advance of any deployment, and “any deployment will be accompanied by clearly identifiable signage to show that”.