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North Yorkshire Police to use live facial recognition for first time

Monday, 21 September 2026 14:37

North Yorkshire Police is introducing facial recognition technology (Image: West Yorkshire Police).

North Yorkshire Police will use live facial recognition technology for the first time this week.

The force’s first deployment will take place in York city centre on Wednesday (23rd September), following an announcement earlier this year that the technology would be introduced across York and North Yorkshire.

Police say it will help officers identify wanted people, tackle serious crime and protect vulnerable individuals.

The technology compares live camera footage with a watchlist. If it identifies a potential match, officers are alerted and review the information before carrying out further checks and deciding whether action is needed.

Watchlists can include people wanted by police or the courts, those suspected of committing an offence and individuals wanted on recall to prison.

They can also include missing people assessed as being at increased risk of harm, people who pose a risk to themselves or others, and those whose presence in the area may breach bail conditions or a court order.

North Yorkshire Police said images that do not match the watchlist are deleted immediately and permanently.

The watchlist itself is deleted at the end of each deployment.

The force said the technology would be used in carefully selected locations based on police intelligence, with all future deployments publicised in advance.

Engagement officers will be available in York on Wednesday to explain how the system works and answer questions.

North Yorkshire Police said:

“If you see us while we're out and about on Wednesday, please feel free to come and speak to one of our engagement officers, who will be happy to tell you more about the technology and answer any questions you may have.”

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