Live facial recognition technology is set to appear in several Northamptonshire town centres as police step up efforts to track down wanted individuals and those deemed a risk to the public.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed the system will be switched on at multiple points over the coming weeks, beginning in Northampton on 27 March, with further deployments scheduled for 10 and 24 April, and again on 22 and 29 May. The technology will then move through the county, arriving in Kettering on 30 April, Corby on 8 May, and Wellingborough on 13 May.
Officers insist the cameras are not intended for blanket surveillance. Instead, the system scans faces in real time and checks them against a specific watchlist made up of individuals linked to criminal activity or flagged as potential threats.
The rollout forms part of Operation Relentless, a new policing initiative designed to target offenders who pose the highest level of risk. With warmer months drawing larger crowds into town centres, police say the timing is deliberate.
Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Watkins said the force is preparing for the seasonal surge in footfall, aiming to make the most of opportunities to identify suspects who are wanted or considered dangerous.
This is not the first time the technology has been used locally. During last year’s British Grand Prix policing operation, live facial recognition contributed to six arrests for a range of offences.
Police have stressed that all deployments will be clearly signposted, with visible notices alerting the public when and where the technology is in use. Uniformed officers will also be present at each location to answer questions and provide reassurance to residents and visitors alike.
