Hampshire and Isle of Wight's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is supporting the use of AI in reducing crime.

PCC Donna Jones believes that AI is crucial in making communities safer, following a three-day trial of live facial recognition technology.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are among the first forces in the country considering the introduction of this technology to tackle criminals with outstanding arrest warrants.

For the past four years, South Wales Police have been developing this technology.

READ MORE: Live facial recognition vans deployed in Basingstoke for the first time today

PCC Donna Jones at the Southampton live facial recognition trial (Image: Office of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner) This week, they brought their specialist facial recognition vans to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for a three-day pilot.

The vans were stationed in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, and Winchester, targeting outstanding suspects for high-risk and priority offences, individuals wanted on warrants, or those who have evaded court proceedings.

The AI technology in the police vehicle is linked to a camera that scans the faces of everyone walking past the van.

Images of those not on the watch list are automatically and immediately deleted.

Ms Jones said: "This technology is part of the constabulary’s strategy to enhance public safety, improve policing efficiency, and support efforts to locate high-risk individuals.

"Live facial recognition technology is ground-breaking.

"In order to check people of interest on this scale, we would need hundreds more police officers across both counties.

"This is about the police working smarter not harder, freeing up more time for crime prevention and intervention with the public."

SEE MORE: Live facial recognition technology to be used in Basingstoke to find criminals

The new technology complements the more traditional policing methods, leading to suspects being detained quicker, freeing up police time to fight crime, to be out on the streets patrolling and to respond to the public when they are needed.

Ms Jones added: "In today’s world, offenders are using AI and cutting-edge methods for their own gain.

"It’s right that I am supporting the police to use AI to identify offenders and keep the public safe.

"This is a forward-thinking approach for modern policing.

"I am pleased that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is embracing the use of this technology.

"It is another vital step in further protecting communities."

The live facial recognition vans were in Portsmouth on Tuesday, September 10, in Southampton on Wednesday, September 11, and in Basingstoke and Winchester on Thursday, September 12.

The areas where they are deployed are clearly marked with police officers available to talk to any members of the public.