Hertfordshire Constabulary has introduced two new Live Facial Recognition (LFR) vans as part of efforts to catch wanted criminals and improve public safety across the county.

The new vehicles will allow police to deploy facial recognition technology more flexibly in towns and public spaces across Hertfordshire, potentially including Hitchin.

The technology, which was first trialled in Cheshunt in December 2025, uses cameras to scan faces in public places and compare them against a pre-approved watchlist of people wanted by police.

When a potential match is identified, an alert is sent to officers, who review the information before deciding whether any action is necessary.

Police say the technology can help locate wanted suspects, prevent crime and protect vulnerable people.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nev Hanks said: "Having two dedicated Live Facial Recognition (LFR) vans gives Hertfordshire Constabulary greater flexibility to use the technology across the county, supporting our efforts to identify wanted individuals, prevent crime and protect the public."

He added that deployments would be subject to senior officer authorisation and strict safeguards to protect privacy.

"Watchlists are strictly limited to people wanted by police, ensuring the technology remains focused on helping officers locate those individuals rather than monitoring law-abiding members of the public," he said.

The two vehicles and their associated technology have been funded by Hertfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, following trials of facial recognition technology in the county.

A public survey carried out following a deployment in Broxbourne attracted 3,787 responses, with the results showing considerable support for the technology.

The survey found that:

• 82% believed police use of facial recognition was always or usually acceptable.
• 91% believed the technology would help catch more criminals.
• 93% said facial recognition cameras would not deter them from visiting a town centre.

Mr Ash-Edwards said: "The acquisition of Live Facial Recognition vans for Hertfordshire is an important step in the police's use of effective technology to catch criminals and keep communities safe, following successful pilots earlier in the year."

He added: "LFR was clearly backed by the public in my survey last year with 82% of residents saying it was an acceptable tool for the police to use."

The use of facial recognition technology has raised wider questions about privacy and surveillance, with police emphasising that safeguards are in place.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says images of people who do not generate a match are deleted immediately, while images associated with potential matches are automatically deleted within 24 hours.

Any potential match must also be reviewed by a trained officer and does not automatically lead to an arrest or other enforcement action.

Detective Chief Superintendent Hanks said: "We are committed to using LFR in a transparent and responsible way, with clear safeguards in place to protect privacy and maintain public confidence."

He added that the force had received positive feedback from residents and businesses who believed the technology could deter crime and improve feelings of safety.

The new vans will allow Hertfordshire Constabulary to use facial recognition technology at locations across the county, including busy town centres and public events where police consider its use necessary.

Although no specific deployment in Hitchin has been announced in the information released by the force, the vehicles increase the potential for the technology to be used locally.

Police say details of planned deployments will normally be published in advance, with results made available within five working days.

However, advance notice may be withheld where it could compromise an operation, such as attempts to locate a wanted suspect.

Residents can find further information about the technology, including deployment details, policies and frequently asked questions, on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website⁠.