Essex Police to deploy facial recognition vans in two towns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:08 · Archive

Essex Police will deploy live facial recognition vans in Basildon and Clacton to identify suspects wanted for serious offences.

Essex Police will deploy live facial recognition vans in Basildon on Saturday, October 24, and in Clacton on Monday, October 26. Both deployments aim to identify individuals wanted in connection with serious offences including drug, violent and sexual crimes, as well as thefts and breaches of orders.

Visible patrols will accompany the technology deployment in Basildon. An Essex Police spokesperson said the force is legally required to inform the public before deploying the vans. According to the force, it has made 200 arrests using facial recognition technology in connection with investigations into violent and sexual offences.

The technology can identify individuals even if their faces are partially obscured or covered. Images of people not on the police watchlist are deleted almost immediately. Residents in both towns will be able to approach officers to find out more about how the technology is used.

How it is being reported

• Police deploying facial recognition vans in seaside townEssex Police will deploy live facial recognition vans in Clacton on October 26 to identify people wanted over drug, violent, sexual and theft offences.Colchester Gazette · 21 Oct, 15:20
• Facial recognition vans to be deployed in south Essex town this weekendEssex Police will deploy live facial recognition vans in Basildon on October 24, targeting suspects linked to serious offences, with visible patrols planned.Echo (Basildon) · 20 Oct, 15:16

In this story: Essex Police · Basildon · Clacton

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