Southampton facial recognition trial backed by students' union

This comes after a public Q and A at Solent University on Friday, November 3, which saw Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones praise the technology in Southampton.

Winston Alla, Union President at Solent Students’ Union – who attended the public Q and A, told the Echo: “I found the presentation and learning more about how the facial recognition technology, developed by Reveal Media and implemented by GO! Southampton very insightful. 

"After speaking to Solent University students after the event, many of them and myself, on behalf of Solent Students' Union, are in support of the initiative.

“Many students believe it is a crucial scheme that makes them feel safer in Southampton, especially on a night out or at the pub.”

Winston added: "We understand that more work needs to be done in the city centre to improve the safety of our students and members of the public, but I believe that if all the businesses involved work together and communicate effectively, then the scheme will provide another layer of protection in the city.

“This is vital when ensuring our students have a more enjoyable evening."

READ MORE: Facial recognition tech at Southampton clubs will deter 'predators'

The initiative follows the successful trial of the Go! Southampton’s ‘Red Card’ scheme, which links premises so that if a person is banned from one business, they are banned from all of them.

Speaking to the Echo, Steve Goodier, Body Worn Video Specialist Advisor at Reveal Media said: “In my previous life I was a police officer in Southampton.

“The technology is there to help the public as well as staff, especially with the latter as it’s nearly impossible to memorise everyone’s faces and know who shouldn’t be allowed inside the premises.”

Crime commissioner, Donna Jones added: “There is absolutely a need for this, it’s the way the government wants to go.”

A start date for the trial is yet to be confirmed.