Facial recognition technology to be used by police in Stratford for a second time

Police will roll out facial recognition technology for a second time in Stratford in a bid to find known criminals.

A camera will scan peoples’ faces and alert officers is there is a potential match to wanted suspects during the eight-hour long operation tomorrow (Thursday).

The technology is being used as part of a trial by the Met but an identical operation last month in Stratford resulted in no arrests.

Detective Superintendent Bernie Galopin, from the Met Police, said: “The Met is currently developing the use of live facial recognition technology and we have committed to 10 trials during the coming months. At the end of the year, there will be a full, independent evaluation.

“The deployment of these cameras and targeting of individuals will be intelligence-led and temporary. Only images that come up as a match to a targeted individual will be retained for a limited period.

“The use of live facial recognition technology aims to support standard policing activity to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Officers will give out information leaflets to the public while the trial is taking place.