GMP facial recognition cameras used in Piccadilly Gardens, leading to arrests
Greater Manchester Police deployed live facial recognition cameras in Piccadilly Gardens on 3 November 2025, leading to the arrest of two men. The technology matches faces from a 'watchlist' of wanted offenders and missing people, though the system has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups.
What happened
Greater Manchester Police deployed live facial recognition cameras in Piccadilly Gardens on 3 November 2025, the first operational use of the technology at that location.
The system is housed in specialist vans funded by the Home Office, fitted with two fixed cameras each, and uses biometric data to match faces in crowds against a 'watchlist' of wanted offenders, missing people, and those subject to court orders.
Use of the cameras led to the arrest of a 40-year-old wanted on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and a 36-year-old wanted for criminal damage with a bail condition not to enter Piccadilly Gardens.
Reported impact
Civil liberties groups have campaigned against the use of live facial recognition across the country, though GMP says it follows strict guidance on use of the technology.
Index analysis
The cameras operate within a defined 'zone of recognition' where signs warn the public they will be visible, and GMP states the system is not used for mass surveillance but specifically to locate people already on a watchlist.
Piccadilly Gardens was selected based on intelligence identifying it as a crime hotspot, with prior deployments in Sale and Bolton resulting in three arrests.
Governance controls
GMP says locations for camera deployment are chosen based on intelligence and potential security needs such as major events or areas with recent disorder.
The force states it has consulted with community members including businesses and commuters before deployment in Piccadilly Gardens.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.