The Metropolitan Police say the technology will be in force today (January 16) in the most busiest and dangerous parts of Lambeth.
When people pass through the area, their images are streamed directly a live facial recognition system and compared to a watchlist of people who are sought by police.
People on a watchlist could include those wanted by courts, those reasonably suspected about to commit a crime, suspects of serious crimes and people subject to court orders.
In March last year, the News Shopper reported nine people were arrested – including on suspicion of child cruelty and burglary – after being identified with the same facial recognition system in Woolwich and Romford.
A sign for live facial recognition. Credit: Robert Firth
Lindsey Chiswick, who is responsible for the technology at the Met said last year: “Live facial recognition is a precise crime fighting tool which helps officers identify criminals as part of proactive intelligence led operations tackling crime across London.
“Where there is no match, all images are immediately and automatically destroyed.
“ We understand the need to ensure sufficient safeguards are in place on our use of the technology and work closely with the London Policing Ethics Panel, set up by the mayor of London, to ensure this is the case.”
