Maldon MP, Sir John Whittingdale, joined Essex Police Officers in Chelmsford High Street on Friday (October 4) to observe the use of their Live Facial Recognition Technology.

Two Live Facial Recognition vans were deployed in Chelmsford city centre, with the focus on detecting those wanted in connection with violent crime offences and shoplifting.

This was the 13^th use by Essex Police of the technology, having previously been deployed in Harlow, Southend and Clacton.

The equipment is used to scan the faces of all those seen by the camera and the images are compared with a pre-determined watchlist.

Its use has already led to 23 arrests, with many wanted for serious offences such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, aggravated burglary and shop-lifting.

Sir John is pictured with Sgt James Brewer who has overseen the LFR operations conducted by Essex Police. (Credit: John Whittingdale)

Sir John said: "Live Facial Recognition Technology can play a valuable role in finding those who are suspected of serious offences.

"I am impressed by the strict limits which Essex Police put on its use including a narrowly drawn watchlist and the immediate deletion of images.

advertisement

"However, it is worrying that there are no national rules or guidelines in place and I understand the concerns of Privacy Campaigners like Big Brother Watch about the potential for misidentification and the invasion of individuals' privacy involved.

"I believe that Parliament needs a proper debate about this and I will be applying to hold one at an early opportunity."

Friday's day of action resulted in two women arrested, as well as an additional five arrests non-related to the Live Facial Recognition technology.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hughes said: "The LFR vans have proved really effective at finding people wanted in connection with investigations and ensuring we can get suspects into custody, and help progress investigations.

"This was another really positive deployment with arrests made but also providing a fantastic opportunity to speak to the public and show them how the technology works."