At the 2025 Notting Hill Festival, British police are preparing to solve crimes using direct facial recognition (LFR) technology. During the holiday (from September 23 to 25), the police force will mobilize about 7,000 officers per day, and deploy an LFR camera system around the event area.
These cameras are intended to identify and intercept potential danger individuals, including those wanted for knife use, sexual assault, robbery or violence. In addition, technology also supports the detection of missing people or individuals who are subject to an injunction for sexual harassment.
Metropolitan Forces said they will conduct arrests and searches based on pre-existing intelligence, targeting those suspected of carrying drugs or weapons. At the same time, they pledged that the biometric data of ordinary people would be deleted immediately and permanently if it were accidentally accessed by a camera.
Attendants can also have to go through security gates at main entrances, to ensure that no one carries prohibited objects when entering the festival area.
Mr. Matt Ward - Deputy Police Member, event Commander said: "It is a pity that among the millions of people who have attended the festival for many years, there are many people who intend to cause harm, including crimes of violence and sexual assault.
These acts are completely contrary to the tradition and values of the festival, and I highly appreciate the voices in the community that condemned violence and serious crimes at the event.
Metropolitan Police also called on people to provide information about groups or individuals with violent intentions to support security work for the festival.
Notting Hill Carnival is estimated to be the second largest street festival in the world, after the festival in Rio de Janeiro. Every summer, about 2 million people attend this event. Last year, the festival witnessed 8 stabs and 334 arrests.
