NEW MOBILE fingerprint scanners, which can check a person’s identity in two minutes, are being rolled out across the UK’s Met police officers.

The Mobile Identification [MobileID], which is about the size of a mobile phone, will ‘go live‘ across the force as part of a nationwide roll out of the device led by the National Policing Improvement Agency [NPIA].

The MobileID allows police to read the fingerprint of an index finger and checks it against the national database and police have said they will be used in instances where an individual is suspected of committing an offence, or wanted for a previous offence.

During trial, the Met said the devices were used during roadside checks; the policing of the Royal Wedding and at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Police say the device can also be used to identify people unconscious at scenes of incidents or the deceased.

In total, 350 devices will be deployed across the MPS over the next month including the following 12 boroughs: Lambeth, Southwark, Newham, Westminster, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets, Brent, Croydon, Islington, Camden, Hackney and Haringey.

MPS Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: “Mobile Identification is a technological step forward that helps police officers identify people quickly.”

“MobileID is effective particularly in revealing serious and violent offenders who will do everything they can to prevent the police from knowing their true identities. This technology means there is increased officer time spent on patrol, and as a result, helps to make communities safer,” she added. (COURTESY – THE VOICE, U.K.)