Mobile fingerprint scanner to be used in Ayrshire

Mar 5 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A MOBILE fingerprint scanner is the latest weapon to be used in the fight against crime.

And police in Ayrshire are among the first in Scotland to try out the new technology.

The Lantern finger scanner allows officers to carry out identity checks on the street.

Previously, a crime suspect would have to be taken to a police station to have their identity verified.

The technology is being hailed as a timely and efficient way to track down wanted criminals.

PC Scott Brown, violence reduction co-ordinator, explained: “With this new technology there is a reduced chance for an individual to provide false details to a police officer.

“The check is quick, reliable and assists both the officer and the individual stopped.

“Now rather than having to take the person to a police office to confirm their identity, time is saved by doing it on the street.”

The scanner is being piloted in Ayrshire but it is expected to be rolled out Strathclyde wide if it is a success.

It will be used in the fight against domestic abuse and with other suspected violent offenders.

Traffic cops will also utilise the scanner to ensure drivers they stop don’t give false details.

Officers will use the handheld device to take the fingerprints from both index fingers of the suspect.

The prints will then be checked against a national database and a response received within minutes.

PC Brown added: “This is a definite step in the right direction for crime prevention and detection.”