The Metropolitan Police has announced that live facial recognition (LFR) technology will be utilized during the Notting Hill Carnival.
According to the police, these cameras will be positioned along the routes leading to and from the Carnival, “beyond the event’s confines,” to assist officers in “detecting and apprehending” individuals whose presence may compromise public safety.
Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police stated it would engage in “proactive intelligence-driven arrests and searches” targeting individuals suspected of carrying weapons or dealing drugs, as part of its operational strategy for the August Bank Holiday festivities.
Rebecca Vincent, interim director of Big Brother Watch, has urged authorities to abandon their LFR plans, claiming that the technology demonstrates “poor accuracy in recognizing individuals from minority backgrounds.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, who is overseeing this year’s policing efforts, remarked that the police are collaborating with event organizers and community partners ahead of the Carnival.
He noted, “Sadly, among the millions who have enjoyed the Carnival over the years, there exists a small number of individuals intent on inflicting harm on others, including through violent and sexual offenses.”
His statement celebrated community members who have voiced their opposition to violence and serious wrongdoing at the event, emphasizing that such actions are a far cry from the spirit and values of Carnival.
The Metropolitan Police also indicated that they are coordinating with law enforcement agencies nationwide to pursue bans against individuals with previous violent or sexual misconduct records related to Carnival.
The LFR cameras will focus on searching the premises for persons listed as wanted in the Police National Computer, those reported missing, and individuals under sexual harm prevention orders. The police assured that biometric data for individuals not wanted would be deleted immediately and permanently.
Vincent expressed her concern about the Metropolitan Police’s decision to use intrusive live facial recognition technology at this year’s Carnival, particularly after earlier trials were abandoned due to public backlash over concerns of bias.
She added, “The evidence shows that LFR is less precise when identifying faces from minority groups, making its implementation at this cherished cultural gathering especially troubling. The police should concentrate their efforts on maintaining a strong on-site presence to combat true criminality, rather than infringe upon the privacy rights of countless innocent attendees and local residents.”
The Metropolitan Police has disclosed that around 7,000 officers and support staff will be on duty each day of the Carnival to ensure safety and to combat issues such as knife crime and violence against women and girls.
In addition to the use of LFR, the police plan to set up screening arches at some of the busiest entrances, where stop-and-search powers will be enforced.
Ward emphasized, “The most effective method to deter serious crime at the Carnival, including incidents of violence and sexual offenses, is to proactively target the small number of dangerous individuals before they enter the event.”
He encouraged anyone with knowledge of individuals intending to bring weapons to Carnival or who might be at risk of exploitation to come forward.
