The process behind LFR is thorough and straightforward. Before each deployment, lawfully held images of wanted criminals are uploaded to a secure database. During the operation, the system scans faces in real-time, comparing them to the database. If a match is detected, officers receive an alert, allowing them to decide whether to engage. Any faces that don’t match are immediately deleted, protecting the privacy of those not involved.
The locations for LFR deployments are chosen based on detailed crime analysis, focusing on areas where the technology can have the greatest impact. Since January 2024, LFR has led to over 360 arrests across London, including 17 for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) offences.
In Croydon alone, 77 people have been arrested, including some who have been wanted by the police since 2010. LFR has also helped police monitor over 350 individuals under court-imposed conditions, ensuring compliance and catching those in breach, including more than 30 sex offenders.
In addition to making arrests, LFR has been effective in monitoring individuals with court orders, helping to ensure they follow the conditions set by the court. Much of the success of LFR in Croydon comes from strong communication with the community before, during, and after each deployment, helping people understand how the technology works.
Concerns about the fairness and accuracy of LFR have been addressed through independent testing. In 2022, the MET, together with South Wales Police, commissioned the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to test the technology’s performance. The study found no significant difference in how LFR performs across race and gender, confirming its reliability.
As the Metropolitan Police continue to develop their approach to policing, Live Facial Recognition remains a key tool in making London, and Croydon in particular, a safer place.
For more information on LFR, please visit: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fr/facial-recognition-technology/
