Met Police to deploy live facial recognition at North London derby
They're using facial recognition cameras and surveillance tools to deter disorder
Live facial recognition will be used at Sunday's North London derby, the Metropolitan Police said.
It will be in place at two locations on the approach to the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal host Tottenham.
Officers will also use live-streaming-enabled body-worn video, which feeds footage from officers on the ground straight to the control room to provide real-time intelligence, the force said.
And some specially trained officers at the stadium will have SelectaDNA tagging spray. When used during disorder, the spray leaves a unique marker on offenders, which can be detected later under UV light, providing forensic evidence to identify individuals involved in criminality after they have left the match, the Met added.
Since the start of 2024, the Met has taken more than 1,300 offenders off the streets of London using live facial recognition (LFR), of which more than 1,000 have been charged or cautioned, it said.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman, who is leading the policing operation, said: "The safety of those attending football matches in London is our priority, and we want everyone to enjoy the game.
"This is why it is important that we make the best use of available technology to support officers to do their job more effectively.
"That allows us to keep the public safe, prevent crime and disorder, and respond efficiently to any incidents."
Lindsey Chiswick, lead for LFR for the Met and nationally, said: "Live Facial Recognition is a game-changing technology that helps officers locate people we want to speak to - such as those who are wanted or have court-imposed conditions.
"It is deployed on a case-by-case basis and where there is intelligence to suggest a threat to public safety.
"We will continue to consider the use of LFR at events, dependent on the intelligence we hold, to ensure an effective and proportionate approach."