The UK is enhancing its law enforcement capabilities by significantly increasing the deployment of live facial recognition (LFR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across police forces in England and Wales. A recently unveiled Home Office white paper outlines plans to fund additional LFR-equipped police vans and establish a comprehensive national facial recognition system.

The Home Office has committed to supporting the rollout of 40 new LFR vans, supplementing the existing fleet to effectively monitor town centers and areas with high crime rates. Beyond vans, the government is investing over £26 million in a national facial recognition system while setting a budget of £11.6 million for LFR enhancements.

Highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies, the white paper describes LFR as a pivotal advancement in policing, akin to the impact fingerprinting had in the past. From September 2024 to 2025, the Metropolitan Police’s adoption of LFR reportedly facilitated over 900 arrests, though it has faced challenges, including instances of false identifications.

To harness AI’s full potential in law enforcement, the government is establishing Police.AI, a national center dedicated to the research, testing, and expansion of AI across police operations. Intended as a central hub for technology integration, Police.AI will initially focus on automating routine tasks such as CCTV analysis, case file preparation, and crime recording. This is expected to streamline processes and increase efficiency within police departments.

Moreover, the initiative proposes strengthening police data-handling capabilities by integrating local and national systems through a new National Data Integration and Exploitation Service. This strategy aims to facilitate seamless data sharing, improving collaborative efforts across police forces.

To further refine the UK’s law enforcement structure, the white paper proposes the creation of a new National Police Service for England and Wales. This comprehensive service will address terrorism and organized crime threats while offering centralized resources, including national IT infrastructure and forensic services.

Finally, the government envisions a future where AI-driven innovations, such as chatbots and digital communication channels, complement traditional policing methods. By merging local forces and improving technical proficiency, the UK aims to bolster its overall policing effectiveness.