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Live Facial Recognition trial in Ipswich leads to five arrests

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A six-hour test of facial recognition technology in Ipswich town centre on Saturday resulted in five arrests and engagement with around 400 people.

Why it matters: The technology allows police to quickly compare faces against a database of wanted individuals, potentially increasing efficiency in apprehending suspects while freeing up officers for other duties.

A six-hour test of facial recognition technology in Ipswich town centre on Saturday resulted in five arrests and engagement with around 400 people
A six-hour test of facial recognition technology in Ipswich town centre on Saturday resulted in five arrests and engagement with around 400 peopleSuffolk Constabulary

By the numbers:

  • Over 47,000 faces were scanned during the six-hour trial at the Cornhill

  • Five arrests were made — four for failing to appear before court and one for shop theft

  • Around 400 members of the public engaged with officers about the technology

How it works: The system compares live camera feeds against a predetermined "watch list" of people of interest. Images of individuals not on the list are automatically deleted within seconds.

What they're saying: Assistant Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger called the trial "a positive outcome" and said he was "optimistic that we will be using this technology again in the future."

"This innovative technology can play a vital role in protecting people, keeping them safe, investigating crimes, and getting justice for victims," Bridger said.

The other side: While the police reported most public reactions were positive, they acknowledged "a couple of exceptions" from members of the public who were not receptive to the technology.

For context: The equipment was borrowed from Essex Police for the trial, which took place on Saturday (22 Feb) at the Cornhill.

The details: Among the five arrests were individuals wanted for drink driving offences, theft, criminal damage, common assault, racially aggravated public order offences, possession of Class A drugs and dwelling burglary.

The bottom line: Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "This technology has huge potential to bring criminals to justice and to prevent crime, which I trust is welcomed by everyone."

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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