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North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology

Thursday, 2 April 2026 12:09

North Yorkshire Police is planning to implement facial recognition technology.

North Yorkshire Police has announced it's planning to implement Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology within York and North Yorkshire.

LFR will be used in 'carefully selected, intelligence‑led' locations to help identify individuals who pose a risk to the public, people wanted for criminal offences by the police or the courts, and those subject to court orders restricting them from certain areas.

The technology works by comparing live camera footage to a watchlist made up of individuals who meet the criteria.

When the system identifies a potential match, officers are alerted and will immediately review the information, carry out further checks and determine whether action is required.

Images that do not match the watchlist are deleted immediately and permanently. The watchlist itself is deleted at the conclusion of each deployment.

A number of forces across the country are now using the technology to successfully locate wanted individuals more efficiently, protect vulnerable people and deter crime through targeted deployments.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Ben Moseley, who is leading on the roll-out of Live Facial Recognition within North Yorkshire Police, said:

“Policing is evolving rapidly, and emerging technologies such as Live Facial Recognition offer enhanced opportunities to prevent harm, safeguard communities and identify high‑risk offenders more swiftly.”

In support of LFR, the government has proposed significant investment in policing technology including funding for 40 new LFR vans, £26 million for a national facial recognition system, and £11.6 million to support LFR capability and coordination.

More information about LFR can be found here: Police use of facial recognition - GOV.UK

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