Multiple arrests through Live Facial Recognition - Chatham

Kent Police has made 18 arrests while using Live Facial Recognition technology over two days in Chatham.

The deployment of two camera vans and local officers supported the 'Clear, Hold, Build' campaign intended to reduce crime and deter offenders in the town centre.

A total of 11 arrests were a direct result of people being identified through the use of cameras.

Violence and theft arrests

These included those wanted for violence and theft, sex offenders suspected of breaching court conditions, and one man detained after a knuckle duster was seized.

Several other registered sex offenders were checked to ensure they were complying with restrictions in their Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

Medway's District Commander, Ch Insp Gary Woodward, said:

‘The intention of using Live Facial Recognition technology was to support our ongoing success in reducing crime and tackling those who cause the most harm to our communities. The multiple arrests including some serious and prolific offenders, shows this to have been an effective policing operation.
'The cameras generated 27 alerts with those who had been identified being checked by officers on the street. Every alert was shown to be accurate. Members of the public who were not one of those on the specific list of people we were seeking, were not matched when they walked past the cameras. Their image was immediately and automatically deleted.’

Proactive arrests

The officers working as part of the enforcement were also able to make a further seven proactive arrests whilst patrolling the area.

They also spoke to almost 200 members of the public who approached the constables and PCSOs to learn more about the initiative.

Ch Insp Woodward continued:

'During the deployment, our officers spoke to residents, business owners and shoppers. In the main, their response to the use of Live Facial Recognition was positive with many saying they felt safer knowing it was taking place.'

More information on Live Facial Recognition can be found here.