đźš” **Big Changes Coming to Local Policing!** đźš”
Say hello to an expanded use of live facial recognition across the UK as the Government shakes up neighbourhood policing. The tech aims to nab “high-harm” offenders, ensuring safer streets for everyone! Ten vans with cutting-edge cameras will roll out across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and more over the coming weeks. If this sounds like a big move, it sure is!
Currently, checks are only done against police watchlists featuring wanted criminals, suspects, and sex offenders. But, come autumn, a public consultation will kick off, inviting your views on how this tech should work. Exciting, right?
Privacy advocates have raised concerns over transparency, but the Home Office assures us there’ll be strict safeguards and oversight in place. Trained officers will manage these vans, and each police force will decide how best to use them. Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, says they’ll target serious offenders the police just can’t track down.
South Wales Police’s Chief Superintendent, Tim Morgan, is on board, promising the public that it’ll be used with the utmost integrity and precision—nothing dodgy here!
The good news? This tech has had quite a record, helping track down rape and robbery suspects! Lindsey Chiswick from the NPCC believes it’ll continue to bolster community safety.
But that’s not all—the Government is also ensuring every community in England and Wales has its own “named, contactable” officer for tackling issues like anti-social behaviour. From new patrols in town centres to a neighbourhood policing guarantee, these changes aim to make our communities feel safer than ever.
What do you think about these changes? Excited or sceptical? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️🔍 Let’s keep the conversation going!