Live Facial Recognition technology to be deployed in Chester this weekend

Cheshire Constabulary will be deploying Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Chester city centre.

As part of Operation Vigilant, the deployment on Saturday 19th September will support officers in identifying people who are wanted by police, outstanding suspects and those who pose a risk to the public.

LFR allows officers to be alerted in real time if a person on a specific, pre-approved watchlist passes through the area being scanned, allowing them to take appropriate action where necessary.

Strict privacy, data protection, and human rights safeguards are in place for every LFR deployment. Only images of individuals on a pre-approved watchlist are used by the system, and any biometric data of passers-by who do not match a person on that list is automatically and immediately deleted. Officers reviewing any potential matches must also confirm the identity before any action is taken.

The force will clearly signpost the use of the technology throughout the deployment area, with information also available online explaining how Live Facial Recognition works and the safeguards in place to protect privacy.

As well as the LFR deployment, a dispersal order will be in place from 4pm on Friday 18 September until 4pm on Sunday 20 September. The dispersal order will allow officers to ban anyone from the area for up to 48 hours to prevent disorder. The area covered by the order is highlighted in the attached map. The map is provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave.

Detective Chief Inspector Robert Pritchard said:

"Live Facial Recognition technology provides us with an enhanced capability to identify people who are wanted by police or who may present a risk to the public, enabling officers to take swift and appropriate action where necessary.

"We have now used this technology numerous times, building on the positive outcomes of previous operations. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to keep residents and visitors safe while they enjoy everything the city has to offer.

“During the deployment, officers will be available to speak with members of the public and local businesses to explain the technology, listen to concerns and offer reassurance about the safeguards in place.”

Inspector James Wilson said:

"We're expecting Chester to be busy this weekend due to people visiting Chester Races, and our priority is ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time in the city safely and responsibly.

"Therefore, there will be an enhanced police presence alongside a dispersal order, giving officers additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour at an early stage before it escalates.”

Members of the public can find more information about Live Facial Recognition on the Constabulary’s website, including details on how the technology works and the safeguards that govern its use.

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report through our website.

Pictured - Chester Dispersal Map for Operation Vigilant.