Home / Crime and Justice / Facial recognition rolled out for Newquay festival safety
Facial recognition rolled out for Newquay festival safety
5 Aug
Summary
- Facial recognition tools deployed in Newquay during Boardmasters festival.
- Police aim to reduce violence, serious crime, and drug offenses.
- Technology used in town; not on festival site itself.
During the Boardmasters festival in Newquay, Devon and Cornwall Police are implementing live facial recognition (LFR) technology. This initiative is designed to enhance safety by aiming to reduce violence, serious crime, and the presence of illegal drugs. The LFR system will compare live camera feeds against a pre-determined watchlist, with vans clearly signposted during deployment.
While the technology will be active within Newquay town, it will not be used directly on the festival site at Watergate Bay. Police will, however, maintain a presence at the event to assist with safeguarding and minimize criminal activity. Superintendent Vicky Howell emphasized months of planning with organizers and communities to ensure the event's safety and encourage attendees to look after themselves and each other.
Images of individuals not matching the watchlist are deleted immediately. The force stated it would begin using LFR this summer. Last year, 14 suspected spiking incidents were reported at the festival, a decrease from 55 in 2024, with no positive drug tests in the past two years.
