Kent Police have made 18 arrests over two days in Chatham while using a new Live Facial Recognition technology.
The deployment of two camera vans and local officers supported the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ campaign intended to reduce crime and deter offenders in the town centre.
A total of 11 arrests were a direct result of people being identified through the use of the camera technology.
These included those wanted for violence and theft, sex offenders suspected of breaching court conditions, and one man detained after a knuckle duster was seized. Several other registered sex offenders were checked to ensure they were complying with restrictions in their Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.
The officers working as part of the enforcement were also able to make a further seven proactive arrests whilst patrolling the area.
They also spoke to almost 200 members of the public who approached the constables and PCSOs to learn more about the initiative.
Ch Insp Woodward said “During the deployment, our officers spoke to residents, business owners and shoppers. In the main, their response to the use of Live Facial Recognition was positive with many saying they felt safer knowing it was taking place.”
Medway’s District Commander, Ch Insp Gary Woodward, said “The intention of using Live Facial Recognition technology was to support our ongoing success in reducing crime and tackling those who cause the most harm to our communities. The multiple arrests including some serious and prolific offenders, shows this to have been an effective policing operation.”
