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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Sami Quadri

Met Police to use facial recognition cameras for first time at Notting Hill Carnival

Police officers on duty at the event in 2024 - (PA Archive)

Facial recognition cameras will be deployed for the first time at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival as part of a major police effort to prevent violence and sexual offences.

The Metropolitan Police announced plans to use Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology on the approaches to and from the event, though cameras will not be placed within the carnival boundaries themselves.

Officers will use the cameras to identify individuals wanted by police, missing persons who might be at risk of exploitation and those subject to sexual harm prevention orders. The technology captures live footage and compares faces against a database of known offenders.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, police commander for this year’s Carnival, said: “Notting Hill Carnival is an iconic event in London’s cultural calendar which is celebrated by many from across the capital, the UK and beyond. With less than six weeks to go before this year's event, the Met continues to work closely with organisers and partners to ensure it’s a safe and spectacular experience for those visiting.”

However, he added that “amongst the millions of carnivalists who have attended over many years there has been a tiny minority of individuals intent on causing serious harm to others, including violent crime and sexual offences.”

“Their actions stand in stark contrast to the traditions and values of Carnival and I welcome those voices in the community who have stood up to condemn violence and serious criminality at the event,” DAC Ward said.

Police will deploy around 7,000 officers each day during the August Bank Holiday weekend event, focusing heavily on public safety, particularly preventing knife crime and violence against women and girls.

So far in 2025, LFR has been deployed 111 times across London, leading to 512 arrests. During Carnival weekend, alerts from LFR systems will prompt officers to investigate further, although an alert does not automatically mean an arrest.

The Met emphasised strict safeguards around facial recognition. Anyone passing a camera who is not on the watchlist will have their biometrics immediately and permanently deleted.

Police have partnered with independent charity Crimestoppers, urging the public to anonymously report individuals or groups planning violence.

DAC Ward said: “The best way to prevent serious crime at Carnival, including violence and sexual offending, is to intervene and target the small number of dangerous offenders before they get to the event.

“If you know anyone who may be planning to take a knife or weapon to Carnival, if you worry that they’re part of a group going with the intent to commit offences or confront rival groups, or that they are being put under pressure or being exploited, or if you have any other information that could help, then please speak up and stand up for Carnival. In doing so, you could be saving a life.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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