Corsight AI has announced that, in partnership with Digital Barriers, its Live Facial Recognition technology has been deployed by Essex Police and resulted in five arrests.

According to the company, three of the arrests were at the Clacton Airshow on 22 August and the other two arrests were in Southend on 25 and 26 August.

The technology, developed through a collaboration between Digital Barriers and Corsight AI, enables Essex Police to recognise faces in real-time and during retrospective investigations.

The technology identified individuals wanted for serious offenses, enforced orders against those on a ‘watch list,’ and protected vulnerable individuals at risk of harm, the company says.

Images of individuals not on the watch list were deleted almost instantly, ensuring no data retention or storage.

Keeping the public safe

“We’re an innovative and forward-thinking force, utilizing new technology to keep people safe and deter crime,” said Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard.

“Our Live Facial Recognition technology is used to locate people we want to speak to in connection with ongoing investigations and to manage people with court orders or conditions.

“Criminals cannot think they can walk around our communities without being caught.”

Facial recognition

Neil Hendry, Defence & Government Director at Digital Barriers, explained: “Real-time facial recognition from security cameras, vehicle-mounted cameras and body cameras is a challenge that very few technologies can perform reliably.

“Digital Barriers provides a reliable video stream and Corsight AI was chosen for its high reliability in challenging conditions such as poor video quality, limited camera angles, darkness, extreme weather and disguises.”

Tony Porter, Corsight AI’s Chief Privacy Officer and former UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner, added: “Drawing on our vast experience with law enforcement agencies worldwide, Essex Police adhere to the highest standards of fair use and transparency.”