Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are using live facial recognition technology in the town of Newquay during Boardmasters Festival week, though not at the festival site itself in Watergate Bay, Mixmag reported, citing BBC News. It marks the first time the technology has been used anywhere in Cornwall.
Boardmasters kicked off August 5 and is expected to draw around 58,000 people a day through Sunday, with performances from Fatboy Slim, Nia Archives, Hamdi, Ewan McVicar, Girls Don't Sync and Goldie among others.
Police said the technology is being used to identify people wanted in connection with violence against women and girls, organised serious crime, sexual offences and drug trafficking. Chief Inspector Peter Shabytah said the live camera feeds are compared against a pre-set watchlist, with footage of anyone not flagged deleted automatically within seconds.
Commander Superintendent Vicky Howell said the goal was working with festivalgoers to "help prevent crime, help mitigate safeguarding risks and help make it an enjoyable event for everybody."
She urged attendees to look after themselves and each other, stay with friends, and have a plan to reconnect if separated from their group.
"If you see something that does not look right, talk to a police officer, a steward or the welfare team," Howell said, "because we can help."
The facts
- First use of live facial recognition technology in Cornwall
- Festival began August 5 and expected to draw around 58,000 people per day
- Technology aimed at crimes including violence against women, drug trafficking and sexual offences
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