Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary will launch live facial recognition vans deployment Hampshire next week, marking the force’s first operational use of the technology to identify wanted criminals across both counties.
The two specially-equipped vehicles will support officers in tackling crime and apprehending offenders following a successful trial last September. The inaugural operation is scheduled for Southampton city centre on Thursday 18 December as part of Operation Predict, targeting shoplifting and antisocial behaviour.
Trained officers from the Joint Operations Unit will operate the vans alongside local teams, focusing on priority suspects in the area. The vehicles will display clear signage, and officers will distribute information leaflets explaining the technology’s operation.
Assistant Chief Constable Robert France expressed enthusiasm about the deployment. “We’re delighted to introduce these vans into our communities where they’ll significantly impact crime-fighting efforts,” he said. “Other forces nationwide have demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness in apprehending outstanding suspects.”
The system scans crowds to identify individuals on watchlists at speeds and accuracy levels impossible for officers alone. Specialist operators verify all alerts before assigning them to ground officers who assess the information and determine appropriate action.
The technology creates biometric facial templates from live camera feeds, comparing them against watchlist images. Templates causing no alerts are automatically deleted within seconds, ensuring no personal data retention for individuals not on the list.
Each deployment uses a unique watchlist targeting high-risk offenders and crimes affecting specific communities. Watchlist images and templates are deleted within 24 hours post-deployment, whilst CCTV footage follows standard 31-day retention periods.
ACC France acknowledged concerns about misidentification, particularly regarding ethnic minorities and women. “This is crucial, and the technology has undergone significant upgrades and rigorous independent testing to address issues identified in early software versions from 2019,” he stated. “We’ll monitor misidentification levels closely.”
He emphasised the force’s commitment to transparent community dialogue, with officers available during deployments to explain operational parameters and address questions.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones praised the initiative. “This ground-breaking technology accelerates suspect detention, freeing police resources for street patrols and emergency responses,” she said. “It represents forward-thinking modern policing and strengthens community protection.”
Deployments will be publicised seven days in advance. The Metropolitan Police have already recorded 1,300 arrests using the technology over two years, including over 100 registered sex offenders breaching licence conditions. Offences addressed include rape, domestic abuse, knife crime and robbery.
