Sadiq Khan has said that he wants the Metropolitan Police Service to ‘use all opportunities detect crime with new technology’ after a crime minister said that the Home Office is investing in new devices that would scan people for hidden knives. The cameras would use ‘infrared waves’ to look for illegal items as residents walk down high streets.
The topic was raised by Green Party London Assembly Member, Caroline Russell. She asked the Mayor of London, who is also the police and crime commissioner: “The Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire recently said that the Home Office is investing in new technology that will: ‘enable people to be scanned for knives as they walk down high streets’ using ordinary cameras combined with ‘electromagnetic infrared waves and a unique computer algorithm’ to detect weapons hidden beneath clothing.
“What discussions has the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) had with the Home Office about this technology and has the MPS conducted any analysis of the privacy impact this technology would have?”
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Mr Khan replied in writing earlier this month. He said: “Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers regularly meet with the Home Office on a range of topics that relate to increasing the safety of Londoners. I have also lobbied the Home Secretary to close the loophole that allows dangerous knives to remain available in our capital.
“The legislation on zombie-style machetes and knives does not go far enough. The Government must ensure there is robust legislation in place that deters everyone from carrying any type of bladed weapon.
“I am committed to working with the MPS to ensure it uses all opportunities to prevent, disrupt and detect crime through harnessing new technology but that this is done in a lawful, ethical, proportionate, and transparent way. My Office for Policing and Crime will continue to oversee the MPS’ use of technology.”
Tech and innovation ‘part of Government’s plan to tackle knife crime’
MyLondon understands that the Home Office does not have a further update on the development of the cameras. A spokesperson for the department told MyLondon: “Knife crime tears families apart and whilst hospital admissions for young people with serious knife injuries are down 25 per cent since 2019, we know that more needs to be done and tech and innovation are a part of our plan to tackle knife crime.
“Since 2018 we have been funding research and development of knife detection technologies, capable of differentiating knives from other benign carried items.”
A spokesperson for the Met told MyLondon that the force had nothing to add at the present time.
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