Southend Face Recognition Trials

Southend explores options to trial facial recognition technology in the United Kingdom.

19:27 29 June 2018

Members of the Southend policing team, Business Improvement District (BID) and the council are exploring options to trial facial recognition technology, which uses biometic data to identify criminals in public. Although the concept is still in its very early stages, its demonstration has been largely positive.

 

Chief Insp Pudney said: “It looks really good."

 

“I was impressed with the demonstration of the system but there’s a number of factors we need to consider and discuss with everyone involved.

 

“We will be exploring options to be the first to trial this in the UK.

 

“It is smart new technology designed to prevent and reduce crime and make the best use of our resources.”

 

Dawn Jeakings, chairman of Southend Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Anything that helps in the fight against crime and contributes to making Southend a safer place in which to live, work and relax is to be welcomed.

 

“This technology is certainly very interesting and could make a significant contribution to recognising and ultimately catching criminals.

 

“However, this was an initial demonstration of the system, so I think we need to investigate its potential a little further, including the associated costs, before making a decision, either way.”