North to deliver the first local government instance of live facial recognition technology in Hammersmith & Fulham

The new £3.2M investment is part of Hammersmith & Fulham’s crime reduction strategy, which has expanded the borough’s network to more than 2,500 cameras over the last four years, making it one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind in the UK.

As part of the new phase, North will integrate AI-driven analytics and live facial recognition into the existing video surveillance infrastructure, providing real-time intelligence to support policing, enhance situational awareness, and strengthen proactive crime prevention. The facial recognition system will reduce criminal identification times from hours to seconds, with all matches verified by trained operators before any police action is taken.

Key elements of the rollout include:

• Live facial recognition cameras – 20 new cameras at 10 crime hotspots, including Uxbridge Road in Shepherds Bush, Hammersmith Road, and Fulham Road
• AI-powered crime detection – Upgrades to 500 existing cameras to enable AI-driven automatic suspect tracking, rapid footage searches, weapon detection, and vehicle monitoring.
• Smart intervention tools – 100 cameras equipped with loudspeakers and spotlights to deter anti-social behaviour in real time.
• Drone trials – Exploring the use of drones to help tackle fly-tipping and support officers on the ground.

H&F’s video surveillance already plays a crucial role in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. In 2024 alone, the network supported 754 arrests by the Metropolitan Police. Between January and August 2025, a further 634 arrests were made using video evidence. Operators in the 24/7 control room proactively monitor live feeds, share intelligence directly with the Met Police and the council’s Law Enforcement Team, and provide evidence in serious cases, from homicide and firearms investigations to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

Andrew Foster, Managing Director of Public Services at North, said:
“We are proud to support Hammersmith & Fulham Council with the deployment of this pioneering technology. By integrating AI-driven analytics and live facial recognition into the UK’s most advanced video surveillance network, we are supporting the council’s ambition of creating a safer place to live and visit.”

“This initiative reflects North’s purpose to create smarter, safer places by leveraging innovative technologies in partnership with public sector organisations, allowing the stretched public purse to work harder and smarter for its residents.”

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham, said:

“Every parent deserves to know their children are safe walking our streets. Every woman should feel secure coming home at night. Every resident has the right to live without the fear of being a victim of crime.

“This investment is about giving families peace of mind, helping victims see justice done, and ensuring criminals know there’s nowhere to hide in Hammersmith and Fulham. When residents see the results of justice being served is when the investment truly pays off.”