Chief Inspector Darren Griffiths, head of forensics, said: “The rollout of facial recognition technology reflects the force's commitment to modernising policing, helping officers respond to emerging threats, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice more effectively.
“Retrospective facial recognition has been used by Cheshire Constabulary for several years and has significantly improved the speed at which officers can identify and locate suspects.
“The government must halt the rapid rollout of facial recognition technology and make sure there are safeguards in place to protect each of us and prioritise our rights – something we know the public wants.”
“But live facial recognition has not been operated at Chester Racecourse and we are not involved in the use of the technology in the city.”
“Where and when the facial recognition technology is deployed is an operational decision for the police.”