The Metropolitan Police has announced it will deploy live facial recognition technology for Sunday's highly anticipated North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
Game-Changing Technology for Public Safety
Officers will position the facial recognition systems at two key locations approaching the stadium as part of comprehensive security measures. The technology represents what police describe as a "game-changing" approach to modern policing at major events.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman, who leads the policing operation, emphasised that public safety remains the absolute priority. "We want everyone to enjoy the game," he stated. "This is why it is important we make the best use of available technology to support officers to do their job more effectively."
Comprehensive Security Measures
Beyond facial recognition, the policing operation includes several advanced security measures. Officers will use live-streaming body-worn video that feeds footage directly to control rooms, providing real-time intelligence to commanders.
Specially trained officers will also carry SelectaDNA tagging spray, which leaves a unique marker on offenders during disorder that can be detected later under UV light. This provides crucial forensic evidence to identify individuals involved in criminality after they have left the match.
Proven Track Record of Success
The Metropolitan Police revealed impressive statistics about the effectiveness of live facial recognition technology. Since the start of 2024, the Met has taken more than 1,300 offenders off London's streets using LFR, with over 1,000 of those individuals being charged or cautioned.
Lindsey Chiswick, the Met's lead for live facial recognition both locally and nationally, explained the careful approach to deployment. "Live Facial Recognition is deployed on a case-by-case basis where there is intelligence to suggest a threat to public safety," she said. "We will continue to consider the use of LFR at events, dependent on the intelligence we hold, to ensure an effective and proportionate approach."
The technology allows police to identify individuals who are wanted by authorities or have court-imposed conditions that might prevent them from attending such events.
