![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Cheshire Constabulary will deploy Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Chester city centre today [5 March], marking the first time the force has used its LFR van in the county.
The deployment is intended to support officers in identifying individuals who are wanted by police, outstanding suspects, or people who pose a potential risk of harm to the public. The technology scans faces in real time and alerts officers if someone on a pre-approved police watchlist passes through the area being monitored.
Police say the initiative will also provide an opportunity to engage with the public and explain how the technology works. Officers will be present throughout the day to speak with residents, businesses and community groups, answer questions, and discuss the safeguards that govern the use of the system.
According to Cheshire Constabulary, strict privacy, data protection and human rights safeguards will apply to every deployment. The system only uses images of individuals who appear on a specific watchlist approved for the operation. Any biometric data captured from members of the public who do not match someone on the watchlist is automatically and immediately deleted.
In addition, officers must review and confirm any potential match generated by the system before any action is taken.
The force said the use of LFR will be clearly signposted across Chester city centre, with visible signage in the area and information shared online to ensure transparency around the deployment.
Chief Inspector Darren Griffiths, who is overseeing the operation, said the technology is being introduced as another tool to support frontline policing and public safety.
“Keeping people safe is at the heart of everything we do, and LFR is another tool that can help us locate people who may pose a risk to the public,” he said.
“This first deployment in Cheshire will allow us to understand how the technology works in our local context and how it can support our officers to keep people in Chester safe.”
Chief Inspector Darren Griffiths.
Griffiths added that public engagement would be a key part of the deployment, with officers available to discuss how the system operates and address concerns about its use.
“We know that people understandably have questions about how LFR works, so we will be on hand throughout the day to explain the process, what the technology does and importantly what it doesn’t do,” he said.
“It does not store images of the general public, it does not track people, and it is not used for mass surveillance. The system only alerts officers to individuals who are already wanted for specific offences.
“This first deployment is not simply about our technology, it’s about engaging with the public, improving safety, and being transparent about the tools we use to protect our communities.”
The deployment comes as interest in LFR continues to grow across UK policing. Earlier this year, British Transport Police confirmed it is now using the technology across parts of the rail network, while Police Scotland has also continued exploring the potential adoption of live facial recognition as part of its future policing toolkit.
To read similar articles, check out our Technology channel
