Cheshire Constabulary has completed its first deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Warrington town centre, with the operation becoming the most successful LFR deployment in Cheshire to date.
The operation took place on Friday 9 October, and marked the first time the LFR van has been used in Warrington.
Officers, alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, spent the day engaging with residents, visitors and business owners, explaining how the technology works, outlining the strict safeguards in place and answering questions from the public.
The focus of the day was community engagement, demonstrating how the technology can support local policing by helping to safeguard vulnerable people and identify suspects and wanted individuals.
Throughout the operation, the system processed more than 4,750 faces. In line with national guidance, biometric data belonging to members of the public who were not on a pre-approved watchlist was automatically and immediately deleted.
The operation also delivered a number of positive results.
During the day, Project Servator officers spotted a man wearing a balaclava who was acting suspiciously and appeared to be attempting to evade the LFR vans. He was stopped and found to be wanted for aggravated burglary, criminal damage and recall to prison. A subsequent search revealed he was carrying a knife.
Once in custody, officers discovered he was covered in DNA tagging spray, a uniquely coded forensic solution used to link individuals to specific crimes or incidents. The spray becomes visible under UV light and can remain on skin and clothing for several months.
Andrew Thompson, 50, of Orford Lane, Warrington, was subsequently charged with possessing a knife in a public place. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, to be served in addition to his prison licence.
Officers also arrested two women on suspicion of theft. Mariana Ivascioiu, 30, and Ioana Lunca, 31, both of Lovely Lane, Warrington, have each since been charged with three counts of theft from a shop. They have been bailed to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 28 October.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Dale Simpson was later charged with handling stolen goods, pleaded guilty and was fined.
Officers conducted 11 stop searches during the operation, with one resulting in a community resolution for possession of drugs. The LFR system also alerted officers to two people who had been reported missing.
Chief Inspector Joe McNally, who oversaw the operation, said: “This first deployment was all about engaging with our communities and being open about the technology we use, and it has quickly become the most successful LFR operation we have seen in Cheshire to date.
“It was really encouraging to see so many people take the time to speak with us, ask questions and see the LFR van in action.
“These results demonstrate how this technology can support local officers in keeping our communities safe. It enabled us to identify wanted individuals, locate vulnerable people and take positive action against those involved in criminality.
“The technology only alerted officers when necessary and demonstrated how LFR can be used in a targeted, proportionate way. The learning from this deployment will help shape how we use the technology in the future, where it can provide an additional layer of protection for the public.”
More information about Live Facial Recognition, including how it works and the safeguards in place for every deployment, can be found on the Cheshire Police website.
