Suffolk Constabulary to get phone app that can scan fingertips of suspects as part of PCC Tim Passmore's plans
Police officers will be able to scan the fingers of suspected offenders on the street as part of a planned technology revolution.
Suffolk Constabulary has announced investment in software application OPTIK, with ground level staff set to get the app’s capabilities on their phones and tablets.
The force has said the fingertip scanning feature will allow the identification and arrest of wanted criminals.
OPTIK is said to have had ‘great success’ in trials. Police said the software can search police databases for an individual’s connections at the touch of a button.
Assistant chief constable Simon Megicks said: “OPTIK is a mobile policing solution for Suffolk that offers a wide range of ‘on the job’ functions, saving frontline officers’ time and assisting them in completing numerous policing tasks.
"My aim with this project was always to offer officers a valuable resource which would assist them greatly in their day to day role yet also assist the public and with this final roll out I believe we have achieved this.”
The investment is from funding ring-fenced by Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore as part of the force’s budget for 2021/22.
Police said the app software will be more ‘efficient’ and ‘effective’ than the paperwork it will replace.
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