South London’s Facial Recognition Operations Net 17 Suspects, Seize Ammunition and Drugs: Is This the Future of Policing?

In recent weeks, the Met Police have intensified their efforts to combat crime in south London by deploying facial recognition technology to identify suspects. During a three-day operation in Croydon and Tooting, 17 individuals were arrested and significant amounts of ammunition, drugs, and stolen property were seized. The police utilized specialist officers to assist in the operation.

The facial recognition technology employed by the police identifies individuals on a watchlist that may include those wanted by authorities, have outstanding arrest warrants, or need to comply with certain conditions. In three Live Facial Recognition deployments this week alone, a 23-year-old man in Tooting was found with blank ammunition. A subsequent search warrant led to the discovery of more ammunition, stolen phones, cannabis, and a stolen Oyster card linked to a robbery in 2022. The suspect remains in police custody.

The arrests made in Croydon included an individual wanted for assault as well as others wanted for burglary and theft. Additionally, one sex offender was apprehended for breaching an order and three individuals were arrested on suspicion of carrying knives.

Lindsey Chiswick, Director of Intelligence for the Met and national lead for Facial Recognition, emphasized the importance of precision policing in delivering a high level of service to Londoners. She assured the public that their data is not retained unless there is a match at which point it is immediately deleted. An independent study has confirmed the accuracy of the algorithm used in facial recognition technology ensuring fair and unbiased use of the technology in identifying individuals for maintaining public safety.