Cheshire police acquires mobile fingerprint devices

Cheshire police have acquired several mobile fingerprint devices following a successful pilot of the technology last year.

The police department did not specify the fingerprint device vendor in the release.

The mobile fingerprint devices enable police officers to scan the fingerprints of any individuals who are suspected of a crime at the scene, instead of arresting the individual and taking him or her into custody.

The captured fingerprint images can be sent for checking against fingerprints stored in the National Fingerprint Database, achieving results in a fast timeframe.

The mobile device can also be used to identify people who are unconscious or deceased. In the case of an unconscious individual, the technology can also alert the officer to any medical conditions so the appropriate treatment can be given quickly.

“We have had some excellent results with people giving false details at the road-side having their true identity revealed,” said Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwye. “This excellent piece of kit saves time for officers taken up with the unnecessary procedure of arresting someone whose identity is questionable, meaning they are out there in the community rather than waiting in custody for a prisoner to be processed and ID confirmed.

“It also helps the community by identifying people quickly so that their families can be informed or the correct medical treatment administered in time. At the start of the financial year I approved a budget, which enabled us to invest money in technology and transform the current estate to enable officers to spend more time on the front line. This new kit is part of our commitment to making policing efficient, cost effective and very much 21st century.”

Previously reported, the Denver police department will be equipped with Morpho’s MorphoIDent handheld fingerprint devices to help officers identify suspects who lie about their identity.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  fingerprint recognition  |  mobile biometrics  |  police  |  United Kingdom