28 arrests made across Bradford through LFR technology

28 PEOPLE have been arrested after a successful series of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) deployments in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police has been conducting operations at locations across the city centre since the end of February.

These deployments have seen LFR used to identify individuals wanted in connection with a range of offences, including those sought by the courts and those considered to pose a risk to the public.

The technology has assisted officers in making a number of positive identifications, leading to arrests and further safeguarding activity.

What were they arrested for?

Of the 28 arrests made, one man was arrested on suspicion of child sexual assault.

Others were detained in connection with offences including assault, drug-related crime, domestic abuse and theft.

A number of those identified were also wanted for failing to attend court or were recalled to prison.

'LFR is a very useful tool'

Chief Inspector Dan Tillett who leads on LFR at West Yorkshire Police said: “Since we launched live facial recognition in West Yorkshire, we have taken great care in deploying the technology in places where intelligence has identified it would be most beneficial.

“In Bradford, the technology was used to identify 28 people who were arrested for a range of offences.

"Several others were identified as being subject to court orders and we were able to check to ensure they were complying with those orders.”  

“As a force, we’re accountable for the use of LFR and are clear that we are not using it for mass surveillance or indiscriminate monitoring, but rather as a targeted tool designed to support frontline officers.”  

Inspector Justin Adams, Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) inspector for Bradford city centre, said: “LFR is a very useful tool, helping city centre officers to identify and arrest individuals, including those who are wanted from outside the area and may otherwise have passed by unnoticed.

"It also acts as a deterrent to those considering criminal activity in the city centre.”

Vans to be used at select locations

Following the positive outcomes in Bradford, the force will continue to use its two fully liveried LFR vans at carefully selected locations across the county, including events where there is an identified policing need.

Jonny Noble, chief executive of the Bradford Business Improvement District (Bradford BID) said: “We at Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) welcome all available options that can help with the continued safety and security of our city centre.  

“New and advancing technologies provide opportunities not seen before and we believe that these innovations, combined with ongoing traditional partnership working, will continue to ensure Bradford city centre is a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to work, visit and live.”