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Huddersfield Sees First Facial Recognition Arrests
17 Aug
Summary
- Facial recognition technology was used for arrests in Huddersfield.
- A man was arrested on suspicion of domestic stalking using the tech.
- Police state the technology targets offenders, not mass surveillance.
West Yorkshire Police have initiated their first arrests in Huddersfield utilizing live facial recognition (LFR) technology. This advanced system was instrumental in detaining a man suspected of domestic stalking, alongside two other individuals apprehended last week.
The operation also successfully identified a suspect wanted on a warrant and a shoplifter, underscoring the technology's role in law enforcement. Police confirm that the system compares live camera feeds against a watchlist, with alerts reviewed by trained officers before any action is taken.
Despite criticism from civil liberties groups, West Yorkshire Police assert that LFR aids in apprehending offenders and safeguarding the public. Chief Inspector Dan Tillett stated the force uses LFR carefully in areas where it is most beneficial, clarifying it is a targeted support tool, not for mass surveillance.
