Merseyside Police to Initiate Use of Live Facial Recognition Technology

Merseyside Police will begin using Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology as part of its commitment to keeping communities safe and bringing offenders to justice.

The first deployment will take place in Liverpool City Centre on Monday 15 December, supported by LFR vans supplied to Greater Manchester Police by the Home Office.  

LFR works by comparing faces captured on a live camera feed against a predetermined, secure watchlist of individuals wanted for serious offences, subject to court orders, or who pose a risk to the public or to themselves.

When the system identifies a possible match, a police officer will compare the image on screen with the person in view and decide whether to speak to them. This decision will always be made by an officer, not the technology.

If you are not on a watchlist we will never store your biometric data from passing through the LFR zone of recognition. It is immediately and automatically deleted, ensuring privacy is protected.

Watchlist images are deleted within 24 hours after each day of deployment and CCTV footage is deleted within 31 days, the same as standard public cameras.

Assistant Chief Constable Jennifer Wilson, Matrix and Force Operations said:“Live Facial Recognition is a vital tool that will help us quickly identify and apprehend those who pose the greatest risk to our communities.

“We’re committed to using the best technology to keep people safe, prevent crime, and protect the most vulnerable. LFR allows us to locate high-harm offenders swiftly and effectively.

“LFR is a great example of our officers using technology to work smarter, strengthening the way we deliver Neighbourhood Policing across Merseyside.

“We welcome members of the public to visit the highly visible vans when they’re in operation, see how the technology works, and speak with officers about the safeguards in place.”

Independent oversight and regular reviews will ensure the technology is used responsibly and proportionately. All deployments will be targeted, intelligence-led and within a refined geographical area.

ACC Wilson added:“We recognise that facial recognition technology raises important questions about privacy, and we are committed to addressing those concerns openly and responsibly.

“This is not mass surveillance. Anyone not included on a watchlist cannot be identified. This technology is focused solely on preventing and detecting crime and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Before this technology is deployed in the community, strict checks are in place to ensure its use is both necessary and proportionate.

“LFR has already proven successful in other police forces, and we’re building on their experience to ensure it delivers the same positive results here in Merseyside.”

Merseyside Police will continue to engage with local communities to explain how LFR works, why it is being used, and what safeguards are in place.

LFR has been successfully used by the Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police since 2017 and is being trialled at several forces including Merseyside, GMP, Sussex, Hampshire, Essex and Bedfordshire. 

All LFR deployments will be clearly signposted, and details of deployment locations will be published on our website ahead oftime.

The introduction of LFR coincides with Merseyside Police’sWinter of Actionoperation, running throughout the festive season and into the New Year. This proactive campaign targets crime, reassures communities, and ensures high streets remain safe and welcoming for all.

For further information, including FAQs, visit theLive Facial Recognition (LFR) page.