The Metropolitan Police chief has introduced plans to increase the usage of drones and facial recognition know-how throughout the capital.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley warned in a speech on Wednesday that crime is “quickly evolving” and plenty of criminals are going digital.
“They’re utilizing instruments which might be smarter, quicker and extra related than ever earlier than,” he mentioned.
Rowley mentioned the army should embrace new know-how to fight this rising menace and referred to as for the regulation to be decreased earlier than it goes into impact.
He cited drones and facial recognition as notably key to the Metropolitan Police’s future policing capabilities.
Police can use drones to assist monitor suspects, seek for lacking folks, collect real-time data, and help officers within the area.
Mr Rowley mentioned the Met was increasing its drone program and hoped to have all London boroughs lined by drones by June 2027.
“We intend to work with London’s Blue Mild Providers, such because the London Fireplace Brigade, to create a London-wide emergency service drone community, ideally constructed on shared infrastructure protecting the entire metropolis,” he mentioned.
The Metropolitan Museum of Artwork is utilizing facial recognition software program to assist cops spot folks on a “watch checklist” in actual time. It might additionally assist cops establish an individual if they supply false particulars or if they’re unconscious or injured and unable to speak.
Mr Rowley mentioned the know-how had led to greater than 2,000 arrests since 2024 and introduced that the drive would now deploy “static” dwell facial recognition cameras, mounted on road infrastructure and monitored remotely.
“These cameras will be capable to transfer between essentially the most crime-prone spots and we are going to proceed to roll them out throughout London subsequent 12 months,” he mentioned.
British freedom group Massive Brother Watch has criticized the usage of such know-how.
The group referred to as facial recognition techniques “intrusive,” “discriminatory” and “undemocratic” and mentioned their use was “spinning uncontrolled.”
Silky Carlo, the group’s director, additionally branded drones an “extraordinarily militaristic surveillance software.”
“Police use of drones to conduct surveillance and command the general public is often extreme and counterproductive,” she mentioned. “Congress ought to introduce stronger safeguards to restrict the usage of drones.”
