Facial recognition technology is being trialled in a bid to catch criminals.

The technology was used in a three-day pilot in Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, and Winchester, with the aim of targeting suspects wanted for high-risk offences, those with outstanding warrants, and individuals who have avoided court proceedings.

The operation by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was conducted in collaboration with South Wales Police, who have been using the technology for four years.

The move has been praised by Hampshire Isle of Wight's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

PCC Donna Jones believes that AI is crucial in making communities safer, following a three-day trial of live facial recognition technology.

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PCC Donna Jones at the Southampton live facial recognition trial (Image: Office of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner)

Ms Jones said: "This technology is part of the constabulary’s strategy to enhance public safety, improve policing efficiency, and support efforts to locate high-risk individuals.

"Live facial recognition technology is ground-breaking.

"In order to check people of interest on this scale, we would need hundreds more police officers across both counties.

"This is about the police working smarter not harder, freeing up more time for crime prevention and intervention with the public."

The AI technology in the police vehicle is linked to a camera that scans the faces of everyone walking past the van.

Images of those not on the watch list are automatically and immediately deleted.

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The new technology complements the more traditional policing methods, leading to suspects being detained quicker, freeing up police time to fight crime, to be out on the streets patrolling and to respond to the public when they are needed.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are among the first forces in the country considering the introduction of this technology to tackle criminals with outstanding arrest warrants.

Ms Jones added: "In today’s world, offenders are using AI and cutting-edge methods for their own gain.

"It’s right that I am supporting the police to use AI to identify offenders and keep the public safe.

"This is a forward-thinking approach for modern policing.

"I am pleased that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is embracing the use of this technology.

"It is another vital step in further protecting communities."

The live facial recognition vans were in Portsmouth on Tuesday, September 10, in Southampton on Wednesday, September 11, and in Basingstoke and Winchester on Thursday, September 12.

The areas where they are deployed are clearly marked with police officers available to talk to any members of the public.