The faces of thousands of fans on their way to watch Arsenal v Tottenham last month were scanned in a bid to catch criminals and supporters barred from attending games because of their previous behaviour.
Three people were arrested and charged after being caught on camera by surveillance vans.
The images of tens of thousands of offenders, alleged violent criminals and, for the first time, those with football banning orders, had been put into a "watchlist" database.
Policing minister Chris Philp defended the use of the controversial technology, which has been described by privacy campaigners as Orwellian. He said it would help officers "quickly and accurately identify" those wanted for serious crimes and its use helps "free up police time and resources".
Camera vans were placed at Highbury and Islington station to catch fans heading to the north London derby on September 24. The three people arrested included George Dean, 40, from Marylebone, who was charged with being in breach of a football banning order. He has been bailed to appear before magistrates on November 23.
This story is from the October 27, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 27, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
