Fingerprint device cuts police time
Published Date:
24 July 2008
By Staff Copy
A HAND-held fingerprinting device is being used by police in Derbyshire in a bid to help keep officers on the frontline for longer.
Derbyshire Constabulary has been provided with eight of the 'lanterns' which allow officers to check a person's identity without having to take them to a police station.
It electronically scan's the subject's fingerprint and sends it wirelessly to be compared against the national fingerprint database.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman said: "There are two main benefits from the use of Lantern. Firstly it helps establish someone's identity which can result in the apprehension of more criminals.
"Secondly, in normal circumstances if a person stopped is unable to verify who they are they are arrested, taken to a police station and have their fingerprints taken in custody.
"Now this can be done in quick time out on the streets reducing the inconvenience to members of the public stopped and freeing up officers."
The full article contains 160 words and appears in Matlock Mercury newspaper.
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Last Updated:
23 July 2008 2:11 PM
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Source:
Matlock Mercury
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Location:
Matlock
