Police are preparing for the first Manchester derby of the season
Police will use live facial recognition technology
Police will use live facial recognition technology(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
View 2 Images
Live facial recognition will be used by police at Old Trafford ahead of the first Manchester derby of the Premier League season. Manchester United host neighbours City on Sunday (September 13), with kick off at 4.30pm.
Greater Manchester Police says the technology will help officers identify people who are either wanted by police or subject to relevant court orders. The technology was used at the same match last season, and GMP says it should help keep matchgoers and the wider public safe.
It is part of a wider policing operation for the derby, with tens of thousands of football fans set to descend on Old Trafford. GMP says officers will be deployed at the stadium, in Manchester city centre and across the transport network.
The force is working with United to provide two additional safeguarding officers, alongside the home club’s safeguarding staff inside the stadium. It is also encouraging people to report incidents that affect women, girls and vulnerable people at the game.
Chief Inspector Gareth Firth, from GMP's Specialist Operations Unit, said: "We are looking forward to once again welcoming one of the biggest fixtures in world football to Manchester. This match attracts huge interest from supporters across the world, and our role is to ensure everyone can enjoy the occasion safely, responsibly and without fear.
Police at the game in January
Police at the game in January
View 2 Images
"We will have officers deployed throughout the day at the stadium, across the city and on public transport routes, working alongside our partners to keep people safe and minimise disruption. We are also continuing our work to tackle violence against women and girls and make football a welcoming environment for all supporters.
"We want fans to enjoy the match, support their team and celebrate responsibly. Violence, disorder, discrimination and any behaviour that makes others feel unsafe will not be tolerated." GMP says it is working with both clubs, Trafford council and Transport for Greater Manchester on the operation.