The moment when a suspect is arrested, they have to be detained to process an identity check in case they are not carrying identification documents; a common practice worldwide. This process is time-consuming and requires space for detention, thus increasing costs incurred by police stations and wasting time that could have been used by the police to maintain security in the streets.

London’s Metropolitan Police addressed this challenge by developing a mobile biometric device called INK Biometrics. It scans the fingerprints of suspects and reveals their identity within 60 seconds, providing that they are registered in the police database. The user-friendly device has been designed to allow patrol officers to use and recharge it in their cars.

This mobile device is the result of the efforts of Metropolitan Police officers who designed special software that can be used on an Android smartphone and paired with a Crossmatch fingerprint reader. The device’s main function is to communicate safely with the Biometric Services Gateway, which was developed by the Home Office to search databases from the Criminal Records Office and Immigration Enforcement.

The identity of the suspect can be confirmed if they have a criminal record or are known to the Immigration Enforcement database. The device can be used by officers with relevant clearance to search national police engines and check if the suspect is wanted for outstanding offenses. Fingerprints recorded on the device are deleted once an officer logs off.

The internally developed system has undergone numerous tests conducted by the Police Digital Service and the Metropolitan Police Service, Transformation Directorate. The development team wanted to make sure that the device is easy to use and rechargeable in police or patrol vehicles.

Although the police do not scan fingerprints except for a lawful justification in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, this technology reduced the need to escort suspects to police stations to verify their identity, which in turn enhanced performance efficiency and decreased costs.

According to estimates by the London Police, this device saved at least £0.5 million in costs. By October 2019, 550 devices were distributed to London Police officers and another 250 devices are planned to be distributed by 2020.

Resources:

• http://news.met.police.uk/news/met-develops-mobile-fingerprint-device-to-save-time-and-public-money-317200
• https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/14/police-develop-biometrics-device-to-confirm-suspects-identity.html
• https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-london-49933939/met-police-s-mobile-fingerprinting-saves-time-and-money