Officer using the Facewatch App on an iPad.

Met Police launch App to identify London Riots suspects

Melissa York, Reporter Sunday, July 8, 2012
1:00 PM

Newham police hope a new digital App will help identify suspects wanted in connection with the London Riots.

Following a CCTV investigation into last summer’s disturbances, the Metropolitan Police have uploaded 2,880 images of people they want to speak to and are urging the public to play their part.

Available on all computers, smartphones and tablet computer platforms with an internet connection, the Facewatch App requires users to enter their postcode to access a selection of CCTV images of suspects.

If a person is known to the viewer, they can then enter the name and/or address of the person shown which is then sent immediately and confidentially to police.

MPS assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, head of Specialist Crime and Operations, said: “This is a great opportunity for the public to help us fight crime, and bring those who remain outstanding to justice.

“My hope is that the two-thirds of Londoners who own smartphones will download this app, and help us identify those suspects we still need to speak to.

“We need Londoners to browse through the app every week or so as new images will appear regularly, this is a fantastic way for Londoners to help us to fight crime.”

Intended to target low level crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, the Facewatch App technology and secure database system is available to all Police Forces in the UK.

Simon Gordon, director of Facewatch Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to be the technology partner behind the Facewatch application and by working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service team are able to help in a small way towards creating a safer and more secure city especially in such an important year for London.”

Download the Facewatch ID App for free at www.facewatchid.co.uk or from the Apple App Store, Android Google Play, and Blackberry App World.

Newham Police are also now on Twitter via the username @MPSNewham.