28 Arrests Made in Bradford Using Live Facial Recognition
July 21, 2026West Yorkshire Police deploys LFR technology in city centre
West Yorkshire Police have reported 28 arrests in Bradford following a series of operations using Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology. The deployments, which began at the end of February, took place at various locations across Bradford city centre.
Details of arrests and offences
The LFR technology was used to identify individuals wanted in connection with a variety of offences. Among those arrested, one man was taken into custody on suspicion of child sexual assault. Other arrests related to offences including assault, drug-related crime, domestic abuse, and theft. Several individuals were also detained for failing to attend court or for being recalled to prison.
Police comments on the use of LFR
Chief Inspector Dan Tillett, who leads the LFR operations at West Yorkshire Police, explained that the technology is deployed based on intelligence to target specific locations where it is most effective. He emphasised that the force uses LFR as a targeted tool to support frontline officers rather than for mass surveillance or indiscriminate monitoring.
Inspector Justin Adams, from the Bradford city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, described LFR as a useful aid in identifying and arresting individuals, including those wanted from outside the area who might otherwise have gone undetected. He also noted that the presence of the technology acts as a deterrent to potential offenders in the city centre.
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 include events where there is an identified policing need.
Bradford BID response
Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), commented on the use of LFR technology in the city centre. He stated that Bradford BID supports all available options that contribute to the safety and security of the area. He added that new and advancing technologies, combined with traditional partnership working, have the potential to maintain Bradford city centre as a safe and welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors.
