The force says Live Facial Recognition is being used to identify serious offenders and manage crowd safety. The public’s privacy and data protection measures are also in place.
Merseyside Police have expanded the use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology in public areas as part of their efforts to improve safety. This system scans live camera feeds in real-time, matching images against a secure watchlist of individuals who have outstanding court orders or are wanted for serious offenses. If a potential match occurs, an officer evaluates the situation to determine whether to engage the individual. Police state that this technology is intended to aid in crime prevention rather than disrupting daily life.
To ensure transparency, operations are announced in advance on the police website, and officers use designated signage to inform the public. The police department emphasizes that biometric data from non-matched individuals is deleted immediately, and that CCTV and watchlist images are subject to strict retention policies.
According to officials, this technology is used alongside conventional patrols and intelligence-led operations to reinforce public safety planning, including at major venues. Despite these assurances, the implementation of LFR has faced criticism from some residents. Concerns have been raised regarding potential impacts on personal privacy and the fear that individuals may feel unfairly profiled, even if they have no criminal history. Some express the belief that the technology might discourage attendance at public events or create an unwelcoming atmosphere.
Supporters of the technology argue that it is a necessary tool for law enforcement, particularly when dealing with serious crimes. They note that identifying and addressing dangerous individuals before they enter crowded environments, such as sports stadiums, is a valuable public service. Merseyside Police maintain that their focus is solely on those who pose a legitimate risk. As the force continues to evaluate the effectiveness and proportionality of LFR, they emphasize that the technology is used responsibly as one of many tools to protect both staff and the public.
