ESSEX POLICE’s new facial recognition van has been out and about in Southend over the bank holiday weekend as visitors to the city praised the new technology for helping them feel safe.
Residents and visitors will have spotted the van on the seafront over the past few days as police use the van’s cameras in an attempt to catch “people of interest” or anyone on the force’s “watch-list”.
Lisa Kelly visited the seafront with her family from South London and admitted she had been warned about “knife-crime” before visiting Southend after violent scenes broke out earlier this summer.
“We did talk about the knife crime before we came here,” she said.
“I’m happy to be facial recognised as I don’t have anything to hide.”
Jamie Smith, her partner, also welcomed the increased deterrent.
He added: “For too long people have been allowed to get away with crime and live their life without worry.
“With more facial recognition I think there would be less crime and I’m happy for there to be more CCTV and facial recognition if it means catching more criminals.”
The van was also used at Clacton Air Show at the end of last week, leading to three arrests.
Essex Police have reiterated that the technology will only be used on images of people wanted in connection with high harm and violent crimes.
Those wanted for less serious offences will not be flagged.
When the technology flags a person of interest, officers on the ground will confirm ID and decide upon appropriate action.
Niamph Kelly, 20, added: “It’s helping your safety anyway so it shouldn’t be something to fear.
“People aren’t always going to be aware of the danger around them so it’s good to see things like this out on the street.”
The force has been keen to alleviate fears relating to an invasion of privacy and have emphasised that camera images of those who are not wanted will not be stored and immediately deleted.
Photographer Ben Thomas feels that concerns around facial recognition fuelling “a big-brother state” are overblown and misplaced.
“I find that a lot of people who talk about these things being ‘Orwellian’ haven’t actually read Orwell, they’ve just picked up a soundbite and are repeating it.” said Ben.
“As a photographer we’ve fought long and hard for our right to take photos on the street and I think that right should extend to the police.” he added.
He was quick to point out that although “people also have a right to privacy” rights are offset by responsibilities, adding “that the minute you do bad things you lose that right to privacy”.
The technology will continue to be used in Southend over the next few days, and Essex Police are planning on rolling it out across the county.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel