CK24 WLW Northamptonshire Police Mercedes Sprinter
CK24 WLW
Northamptonshire Police
Mercedes Sprinter
The vehicle’s primary role is the deployment of live facial recognition (LFR) technology. The roof-mounted camera scans faces in real time within a defined area, comparing them against a legally authorised watchlist linked to serious offending. When a potential match is flagged, officers on board can review the alert and coordinate nearby colleagues to make enquiries. These vehicles are typically used at large public gatherings such as festivals, sporting events or demonstrations, where crowd density makes traditional identification methods difficult, and their use is governed by strict legal, proportionality and oversight frameworks.
The high-roof panel van layout allows space inside for specialist IT, monitoring and power equipment, while remaining outwardly similar to other operational police vans used at major events. The vehicle has fold-away signage to hide its facial recongition use and is fitted with air conditioning.
It is one of 10 identical vehicles launched by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in summer 2025 after a successful trial in London and South Wales. Vehicles are shared with neighbouring forces.
Photograph Location: Silverstone
