Corsight AI’s facial intelligence technology, in collaboration with Digital Barriers, has enabled Essex Police to recognise faces both in real-time and during retrospective investigations.
Digital Barriers, known for its patented AI-based video codec and secure edge platform, specialises in delivering live cellular video solutions for a range of scenarios, including military operations in Afghanistan, securing royal and presidential events, and the Olympics.
The deployment of facial intelligence technology led Essex Police to make three arrests at the Clacton Airshow on August 22 and two additional arrests in Southend on August 25 and 26. These arrests were related to serious offences, including sexual assault.
The technology, provided by Corsight AI and Digital Barriers, not only identified individuals wanted for serious crimes but also enforced orders against those on a watch list and protected vulnerable individuals at risk of harm. To ensure privacy, images of individuals not on the watch list were deleted almost instantly, with no data retention or storage.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard stated, “We’re an innovative and forward-thinking force, utilising new technology to keep people safe and deter crime. Our live facial recognition technology is used to locate people we want to speak to in connection with ongoing investigations and to manage people with court orders or conditions. Criminals cannot think they can walk around our communities without being caught.”
Neil Hendry, Defence & Government Director at Digital Barriers, explained: “Real-time facial recognition from security cameras, vehicle-mounted cameras, and body cameras is a challenge that very few technologies can perform reliably. Digital Barriers provides a reliable video stream, and Corsight AI was chosen for its high reliability in challenging conditions such as poor video quality, limited camera angles, darkness, extreme weather, and disguises.”
Tony Porter, Corsight AI’s Chief Privacy Officer and former UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner, added: “Drawing on our vast experience with law enforcement agencies worldwide, Essex Police adhere to the highest standards of fair use and transparency.”
Rob Watts, President of Corsight AI, said: “It is a privilege for Corsight AI to contribute to the safety and security of the law-abiding people of Essex.”
