Live facial recognition technology will be in use in Bridgend town centre on Friday November 28 as South Wales Police carry out a proactive operation to help locate suspects, wanted people and high risk missing individuals.
The force confirmed that the deployment will be clearly signposted. The van and the zones where recognition is active will be marked so that members of the public know exactly where it is operating. Officers at the scene will also be available to explain how the technology works and why it is being used, and can offer demonstrations where possible.
South Wales Police said the focus is on using the system responsibly and fairly, with the aim of improving public safety, identifying serious offenders and safeguarding people who may be at risk.
The force also stressed its commitment to being open about how the technology is used. Details of locations are shared in advance so that people can choose to avoid the area if they prefer.
Police added that the system does not retain biometric data for anyone who is not on a watchlist. If the technology does not match an individual to someone the police are looking for, the data is deleted straight away.
