Forget high-tech facial recognition software; West Midlands Police has its own formidable weapon in Police Community Support Officer Andy Pope. Dubbed the 'memory man' by colleagues, this officer possesses an extraordinary ability to remember faces, a skill that has led to the identification of his 3,000th suspect earlier this year.
The Man Who Rarely Forgets a Face
PCSO Andy Pope, 47, from Redditch, Worcestershire, is what experts term a 'super recogniser'. His photographic memory for faces, built from studying security stills and police briefings, is so acute he has identified individuals from the shape of a moustache or a distinctive mole spotted in an image a year prior. Remarkably, he even managed to recognise suspects wearing face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
His role with the force's Safer Travel Partnership involves patrolling public transport across the region. Although, as a PCSO, he holds no powers of arrest and must call in warranted colleagues from the West Midlands force, his identifications are crucial. Over the past decade, his work has helped apprehend suspects for serious crimes including murder, rape, and robbery.
From 3,000 to 3,500: A New Target for 2026
Reaching the milestone of 3,000 recognitions was a proud moment for Pope, but it has only fuelled his ambition. He has now set his sights on breaking the 3,500 figure as we head into 2026. On average, he makes one recognition every other shift, but his record stands at an astonishing 16 wanted people identified in a single day since he began his career in 2015.
"I've been asked many times over the years how I remember so many faces, but even now I couldn't give you the answer," Pope admitted. "It's just something that happens, and I feel extremely fortunate I'm able to assist in keeping the streets of the West Midlands safe."
The Process Behind the Phenomenon
Pope's method involves meticulous preparation. He studies images of wanted suspects before each shift, focusing on distinctive features. "If you look at a picture enough times, there is usually something that sticks in the mind as distinctive," he explained. "Maybe I can't pinpoint what that something is at the time, but when I see the person in the flesh, it triggers that recognition."
This talent has not gone unrecognised. In 2018, he received a Chief Constable's Award after identifying his first 1,000 suspects. Furthermore, he is a founder of the Association of Super Recognisers, a global body established to promote super recognition as a forensic tool.
Despite his prowess with faces, Pope confesses to being "useless" at remembering dates, leaving birthdays and anniversaries to his wife. He also has no idea where his ability comes from, noting that neither of his parents shared this specific knack. For now, his focus remains on the public: "I'm just glad I can assist in catching crime suspects and keeping communities safe across the West Midlands."
