Notting Hill Carnival: 'Super recognisers' backed up by face-scan cameras to spot criminals

Hundreds of thousands are set to descend on Notting Hill for Carnival this weekend
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
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A new facial recognition system to identify wanted offenders will be in operation at the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend to help catch criminals.

The technology, introduced for the first time by Scotland Yard, will use the use of cameras to scan the faces of carnival-goers and flag up matches with a database of custody images.

The database is full of images of people who are banned from the event, as well as wanted individuals who might attend to commit offences.

In addition, highly-skilled officers dubbed “super-recognisers”, who can recall offenders’ faces after seeing them briefly in person or on file, will be monitoring the event from a CCTV control room. They will help spot anyone who has bail conditions banning them from attending the event, where two million people are expected.

Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures

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The Met have made 215 arrests this week as part of an operation to “thwart and disrupt” troublemakers before the two-day carnival, and homes were raided as more than 200 search warrants were executed.

Most arrests have been for drug-related offences, with heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis seized. Officers also confiscated knives and machetes, along with six firearms and 50 rounds of ammunition.

Superintendent Robyn Williams appealed to the public ahead of the carnival on Sunday and bank holiday Monday, saying: “If you know of anyone who is planning to use this exciting and vibrant event as a cover for crime or violence then let us know and help us keep it safe for you.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan said there will be record numbers of officers policing the event and added: “It’s really important people feel safe going to Carnival.” Last year there were over 400 arrests.

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