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Force set for first time use of facial recognition cameras

Reuters White dots and lines create points across a man's eyes, nose and mouth Reuters
A live facial recognition camera works by comparing faces with a list generated by police

Facial recognition technology is set to be used by police in Hampshire for the first time.

Vans in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Winchester will use live video footage of crowds passing a camera.

Images captured by the camera are compared to faces put on a watch list created by the force with an alert issued if they match.

The three day pilot will take place in the four locations over between 10-12 September.

Police will make contact with anyone who is matched on the system and decide what action needs to be taken.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said the technology was being used to help to find people wanted for "priority offences".

It said the vans would be clearly marked with officers available to speak to members of the public.

The force said any image that does not cause an alert is automatically and immediately deleted and no personal data is stored.

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