![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
ID scanning technology funded by the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is continuing to have a positive impact on safety across the county’s night-time economy, according to a Northampton pub manager.
Commissioner Danielle Stone currently funds the use of ID scanning machines at more than 20 late-night venues, with pubs and clubs reporting successful use of the technology over the busy Christmas and New Year period. The machines are designed to help venues prevent crime and disorder by verifying the authenticity of customer identification and enabling information-sharing between licensed premises.
The scanners allow door staff to quickly check IDs and connect venues to a virtual network where images and details of individuals who have caused disruption or been banned can be shared. This helps prevent those individuals from moving between venues and creating further problems elsewhere in town centres.
Venues operating past 1am have been equipped with the technology since a major rollout in 2023, delivered through the Commissioner’s office. Following early evidence of its effectiveness, Danielle Stone confirmed last year that funding for the machines would be extended until 2028.
One venue using the technology is The Old Bank on St Giles’ Square in Northampton town centre. Manager Sam Vata said the scanners had changed how security operates at the pub.
“We’ve had our ID scanning machine since 2023, and it’s made a real difference for us,” he said. “Scanning someone’s ID takes around five seconds, which means our security staff can focus more on keeping customers safe rather than carrying out manual checks.”
He added that the continuation of funding was welcome news for the sector. “We’re delighted the Commissioner is continuing to fund the machines until 2028, as it will help keep our customers, staff and security team safer,” he said.
Danielle Stone visited The Old Bank shortly before Christmas to see the technology in use. Speaking after the visit, she said the scanners were playing an increasingly important role in keeping people safe while supporting the local night-time economy.
“We want people to feel confident coming into town centres to enjoy themselves and support local businesses, but it’s equally important that we keep people safe,” she said. “We don’t want people who pose a risk to others or exhibit predatory behaviour moving between venues, and this technology is helping to prevent those situations.”
The machines have also supported police investigations. In a recent case, ID scan data was used to help identify a suspect following a report of sexual assault.
The ID scanning initiative forms part of a wider programme of work led by the Commissioner’s office to improve safety in town centres. This includes funding for improved lighting and CCTV, delivered in partnership with local authorities and business groups.
In Northampton, collaboration between the Commissioner’s office, West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton BID has helped the town centre retain its Purple Flag status, recognising safe, vibrant and well-managed night-time destinations.
Additional funding has also supported training for pub and club staff to recognise vulnerability and challenge harassment, alongside ongoing support for venues taking part in online self-assessments through the Licensing SAVI scheme to improve safety and security across the county.
To read similar articles, check out our Technology channel
