New Facial Recognition technology is being used in Liverpool city centre as part of a new 'Winter of Action'

By Rachael Buttery

Merseyside police are now using facial recognition technology for the first time in Liverpool City centre to tackle the increase on theft over Christmas.

The new Live Facial Recognition vehicles (LFR) began use earlier this week in the city centre on Liverpool, so that city goers can inquire to officers how it works and trial its effectiveness.

The technology works by using a series of specialist cameras on new Police vehicles that scan and capture images of passers- by and compares them to images that are already held, of people wanted for serious offenses or court orders.

In a press release by Merseyside police, they ensure that any biometric data of passers by that do not match any data will have their footage deleted after 24 hours to ensure privacy.

The deployment of this new technology is also part of the UK- wide Winter of Action scheme set out earlier this year, to tackle the increasing numbers of theft across Liverpool and increase general police presence.

Assistant Chief Constable Jennifer Wilson also said: “Live Facial Recognition is a vital tool that will help us quickly identify and apprehend those who pose the greatest risk to our communities."

“We welcome members of the public to visit the highly visible vans when they’re in operation, see how the technology works, and speak with officers about the safeguards in place.”

The new vehicles are currently stationed outside the Lush on Church Street and are encouraging passers by to ask any questions about the new technology, after general concerns that it was an invasion of privacy were raised on Merseyside Police’s social media.

Facial Recognition technology is already being used by South Wales Police since 2017 and is being trialed by other police forces like including Sussex, Essex and Bedfordshire.