POLICE will be deploying Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in Chester city centre on Saturday, July 11. With the city centre set to welcome increased numbers of visitors for Chester Races, the constabulary say the deployment will support officers in ‘identifying individuals who are wanted by police, outstanding suspects, and those who pose a risk of harm’. LFR alerts officers in real time if a person on a ‘specific, pre-approved watchlist’ passes through the area being scanned. Cheshire Constabulary says it will be available to speak with members of the public, businesses, and community groups to explain the technology, listen to concerns, and offer reassurance about the safeguards in place. It adds that strict privacy, data protection, and human rights safeguards are in place for every LFR deployment. Only images of individuals on a pre-approved watchlist are used by the system and ain biometric data of passers-by who do not match a person on that list is ‘automatically and immediately deleted’. Officers reviewing any potential matches must also confirm the identity before any action is taken. OTHER NEWS: - Chester Zoo extend opening hours for popular Afterglow event - Chester Cathedral at centre of new summer festival - Residents warned over Cheshire bridge closure as BBC filming takes place Cheshire Police will be clearly signposting the use of the technology throughout the city centre, including visible signs around the area and information shared online. A dispersal order will also be in place from 12pm on Friday, July 10, until 12pm on Sunday, July 12. The dispersal order will allow officers to ban anyone from the area for up to 48 hours, to prevent disorder. The area covered by the order is highlighted in a map, which is provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave. Chief Inspector Darren Griffiths,