Cardiff police will deploy live facial recognition cameras during the Six Nations rugby championship starting February 22nd, 2023. The initiative includes five temporary cameras situated in “Zones of Safety,” aimed at deterring crime. The police assure that the technology has not led to wrongful arrests historically, and successful past implementations bolster this effort.
In Cardiff, authorities are set to enhance public safety through the deployment of advanced facial recognition technology during the Six Nations rugby championship. Scheduled to commence on February 22nd, the event will draw significant crowds to local venues, prompting the installation of five temporary live facial recognition cameras across the city center. These cameras will operate in designated “Zones of Safety,” where they will match faces against a pre-established watchlist, primarily aimed at crime deterrence and public transparency.
South Wales Police emphasize their commitment to safety with the new technology, as Assistant Chief Constable Trudi Meyrick stated, “We understand the concerns which are raised about the use of facial recognition technology but it is important to remember that it has never resulted in a wrongful arrest and there have been no false alerts for several years as the technology and our understanding has evolved.” This reflects a broader effort to utilize technology responsibly in law enforcement.
Historically, Cardiff Police have implemented facial recognition in prior events, including high-profile concerts. A noteworthy instance involved identifying members of an organized crime group responsible for mobile thefts at concerts, leading to an arrest without any reported thefts during the event. This success establishes a precedent for the potential application of facial recognition technology in other major events in South Wales if the upcoming trial proves effective.
In a technological advancement, the police unit also adopted mobile operator-initiated facial recognition (OIFR) methods in December, enabling officers to capture images with mobile devices and compare them against a database. Additionally, London’s Metropolitan Police have reported a successful track record, with 540 arrests credited to facial recognition technology in the previous year, showcasing its potential for public safety.
Overall, Cardiff’s initiative to incorporate live facial recognition during the Six Nations championship represents a strategic application of technology in public safety. While addressing public concerns about privacy and wrongful arrests, police officials highlight a history of successful implementation and a commitment to transparency. The outcomes of this trial may influence broader usage across Wales, shaping the future of law enforcement practices.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
