7th December, 2024
In a groundbreaking move to keep London safe, the Metropolitan Police has made over 500 arrests this year using the cutting-edge Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology.
A total of 540 individuals—wanted for crimes ranging from shoplifting to rape—have been apprehended as the Met continues to advance its crime-fighting arsenal.
LFR, an advanced surveillance tool, has allowed the police to remove dangerous criminals from the streets, contributing to safer communities.
Deployed in strategic locations across the city, specially-equipped vans with cameras capture live footage of individuals passing by.
This footage is then compared to a pre-approved watchlist of known offenders. When a match is found, an alert is triggered, and officers move swiftly to arrest the suspect.
The results have been staggering: among the arrests, over 50 individuals linked to heinous crimes against women and girls, including strangulation, stalking, domestic violence, and rape, have been detained. Additionally, more than 50 sex offenders violating court orders have been captured through LFR’s precise identification.
Metropolitan Police Director of Performance, Lindsey Chiswick, praised the technology, saying, “LFR helps us focus on those who pose the greatest risk to our communities. It’s a powerful tool in delivering justice, making our streets safer, and supporting officers in their work.”
The impact of LFR has not just been about arrests, but also critical interventions that have potentially saved lives. In one alarming case, officers stopped a convicted child sex offender who was with a new partner living with a younger sibling.
Within 24 hours, officers used Sarah’s Law to disclose the offender’s criminal history, potentially preventing further harm.
While LFR’s deployment has sparked privacy concerns, the Met has implemented strict safeguards. If a passerby’s face isn’t on the police watchlist, their biometric data is deleted immediately and permanently. Furthermore, officers verify the identity of matched individuals before any action is taken. An alert alone is not grounds for arrest; officers must assess the situation further before proceeding.
The use of LFR represents a significant leap forward for the Met, as the force modernizes to meet the demands of contemporary policing.
Looking ahead, the Met plans to incorporate even more data-driven tools and artificial intelligence to stay ahead of criminals and intervene before harm is done.
As part of their “New Met for London” initiative, the force is committed to using these technologies responsibly, balancing crime prevention with respect for civil liberties.
With LFR technology at the forefront, the Met is shaping a safer future for London.
