Police force introduces new facial recognition vans

Hertfordshire Police has introduced two new dedicated vehicles to increase its use of facial recognition technology.

The force first trialled the technology in Cheshunt last December and has since deployed it at locations across the county.

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) uses cameras to compare people's faces with pre-authorised watchlists of individuals wanted by police and officers are sent an alert once a potential match is identified.

Det Ch Supt Nev Hanks said: "Having two dedicated LFR vans gives Hertfordshire Constabulary greater flexibility to use the technology across the county, supporting our efforts to identify wanted individuals, prevent crime and protect the public."

He explained that any images that are captured of members of the public who do not match any watchlists are immediately deleted.

Potential matches are reviewed by trained officers.

The vehicles and technology were funded by Hertfordshire's police and crime commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards.

He said: "The acquisition of Live Facial Recognition vans for Hertfordshire is an important step in the police's use of effective technology to catch criminals and keep communities safe, following successful pilots.

"LFR was clearly backed by the public in my survey last year with 82% of residents saying it was an acceptable tool for the police to use."

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.