Southend could be “the first area” to trial innovative facial recognition technology in the UK, according to the town’s chief inspector Neil Pudney.

Members of Southend policing team, BID (Business Improvement District) and the council travelled to London to see a demonstration of the technology, which uses biometric data to identify criminals in public.

Community leaders insist the concept is still in its very early stages, but the demonstration was largely positive.

Chief Insp Pudney said: “It looks really good.

“I was impressed with the demonstration of the system but there’s a number of factors we need to consider and discuss with everyone involved.

“We will be exploring options to be the first to trial this in the UK.

“It is smart new technology designed to prevent and reduce crime and make the best use of our resources.”

The technology has been at the centre of conversations around privacy and how that should weigh up against improvements in security.

Dawn Jeakings, chairman of Southend Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Anything that helps in the fight against crime and contributes to making Southend a safer place in which to live, work and relax is to be welcomed.

“This technology is certainly very interesting and could make a significant contribution to recognising and ultimately catching criminals.

“However, this was an initial demonstration of the system, so I think we need to investigate its potential a little further, including the associated costs, before making a decision, either way.”

Southend Council said the option is one of many initiatives being reviewed.

Mark Flewitt, Southend’s councillor for public protection, said: “The council and our partners have reviewed the possibility of adding facial recognition to our already high quality CCTV systems.

“This review enabled us to see the pros and cons of the equipment and how it would fit in Southend.

“At this stage, we will continue to review a number of different avenues for protecting the public through CCTV.”

Chief Insp Pudney told how police have also been exploring methods surrounding early intervention and encouraging children to make the right life choices.

He added: “We visited a primary school in north London last week where children were being educated about hidden harms and they are being empowered with knowledge about safeguarding themselves.

“Teachers are delivering brilliantly innovative lessons on hidden harms, building their resilience to make the right choices in life.

“We will continue to work with the council on early intervention, building young people’s understandings so they can make the right lifestyle choices.”