London police to deploy 29,000 officers for coronation security operation

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - More than 29,000 police officers will provide security on the streets of London during the coronation of King Charles III and for the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend, Metropolitan Police said Wednesday.

The coronation for Charles and Queen Camilla will take place at Westminster Abbey.

There will be officers from the dog and firearms units, marine support and Special Constabulary ready to respond to crime incidents.

Police intend to use facial recognition technology in central London.

"The watch list will be focused on those whose attendance on Coronation Day would raise public protection concerns, including those wanted for offences or have an outstanding warrant for arrest issued by the courts, or those under relevant offender management program in order to keep the public safe," according to a statement by police.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said on Coronation Day the largest mobilization of officers in decades “with just over 11,500 officers on duty.”