28 Arrests Made in Bradford Using Live Facial Recognition
July 8, 2026West Yorkshire Police utilise technology to identify suspects
West Yorkshire Police have made 28 arrests in Bradford following a series of operations using Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology. The deployments have taken place across Bradford city centre since late February, aiming to identify individuals wanted in connection with various offences.
Details of the arrests
The individuals arrested were linked to a range of crimes, including:
- Child sexual assault (one suspect)
- Assault
- Drug-related offences
- Domestic abuse
- Theft
- Failure to attend court
- Recall to prison
The technology also helped police ensure compliance with court orders among those identified during the operations.
Police statements on the use of LFR
Chief Inspector Dan Tillett, who leads on LFR at West Yorkshire Police, stated that the technology is deployed based on intelligence to target specific locations where it is most beneficial. He emphasised that the force does not use LFR for mass surveillance or indiscriminate monitoring, but as a targeted tool to support frontline officers.
Inspector Justin Adams, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Bradford city centre, described LFR as a useful aid in identifying and arresting individuals, including those wanted from outside the area. He also noted that the presence of the technology may act as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Future use of LFR technology
Following the outcomes in Bradford, West Yorkshire Police plan to continue using two fully liveried LFR vans at selected locations across the county. These deployments will be focused on events and areas where there is an identified policing need.
Local business response
Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), commented on the technology’s role in city centre safety. He highlighted that new technologies, combined with traditional partnership working, offer opportunities to maintain Bradford as a safe and welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors.
