Live facial recognition operation in Northamptonshire leads to six arrests
Technology targets offenders in town centres for crime prevention and safety
A Northamptonshire Police operation using live facial recognition (LFR) cameras in three town centres has resulted in six arrests and helped ensure compliance with court orders for others.
The cameras were deployed in Northampton on 28th November and 5th December, in Kettering on 29th November, and in Wellingborough on 6th December. During the four days of operation, there were 13 positive alerts, leading to six arrests. Officers also carried out checks on seven individuals to confirm they were complying with court or licence conditions.
LFR technology uses video cameras to detect faces and match them with a pre-loaded watchlist of individuals wanted on suspicion of crimes, with outstanding warrants, or under conditions that could lead to arrest. The operation’s watchlist focused on the most high-risk sex offenders and individuals wanted for arrest.
Arrests and outcomes
The operation led to the arrests of four individuals for a range of offences, including shoplifting, immigration offences, sexual assault, and breaches of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders. Among those arrested was a man wanted for a sexual assault on a child. He was also found in possession of a lock knife, leading to charges of carrying an offensive weapon, alongside being bailed in connection with the sexual assault.
Three women were also arrested, two for failing to appear at court for drug and shoplifting offences, and one in relation to criminal damage.
Police also used the deployment as an opportunity to carry out checks on individuals under Sexual Harm Prevention Orders to ensure their compliance with conditions.
Benefits of live facial recognition
Detective Chief Superintendent Rich Tompkins, who leads on LFR for the force, said the technology proved effective in preventing and reducing crime and highlighted the benefits of combining it with officers’ local knowledge and professional judgment.
“This important new technology helped officers identify and arrest four people who were wanted for various offences and two who were in breach of their Sexual Harm Prevention Orders,” said Det Ch Supt Tompkins.
He acknowledged public concerns about LFR use but emphasized its value for protecting communities, particularly during operations targeting high-harm areas such as those related to violence against women and girls. The technology was deployed during the global 16 Days of Activism campaign against violence towards women and girls.
Looking ahead, Northamptonshire Police plans to introduce its own LFR technology in 2026, with lessons from this operation informing future deployments.
For more information on live facial recognition technology, visit the Northamptonshire Police website.