Police to use controversial facial recognition cameras at Notting Hill Carnival
The controversial crime-fighting tactic police will use at Notting Hill Carnival
- The Metropolitan Police will deploy live facial recognition (LFR) cameras at Notting Hill Carnival next month as part of extensive crime-cutting measures.
- These cameras will be used to identify individuals wanted on the Police National Computer, missing persons, and those subject to sexual harm prevention orders.
- The LFR technology, which has led to 215 arrests from 111 deployments in 2025, will be positioned on the approaches to the carnival to spot suspects before crowds gather.
- Other safety initiatives include a partnership with the Elba Hope Foundation to combat knife crime, the deployment of 7,000 officers daily, stop and search powers, and pre-emptive arrests.
- The police aim to prevent serious violence, knife crime, and violence against women and girls, ensuring the safety of attendees at Europe's largest street party.