No arrests made in Stratford facial recognition trial

The trial took place around Stratford station. Picture: Ken Mears Archant

A police facial recognition trial in Stratford failed to result in any arrests.

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The technology, designed to identify people wanted for violence-related offences, was tested in the area around the station on Thursday, June 28 along with a knife arch operation.

Two people were arrested as part of the latter scheme, with two large knives seized.

Det Supt Bernie Galopin, who is leading the facial recognition project, said: “There were no arrests from the use of live facial recognition, but this deployment formed an important part of ongoing trials of the technology and a full review of its use will take place once the trials have been completed.”

The technology was used overtly, with information leaflets handed out and posters placed in the area.

It is being tested in a range of environments, including sports events and crowded public spaces, throughout the year.

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