Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips (left) receives the contract for the automated palm and fingerprint identification system (APFIS) from Richard Schindler of SAGEM. At right is local sales agent Ian Kent Levy, chairman of Ian K. Agencies Ltd. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER of Police, Jevene Bent, yesterday welcomed a new Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System (APFIS) which is to be introduced over the next 10 months.
DCP Bent said the US$3.6-million technology would replace the "almost extinct" witness system.
INCREASED POWERS
The introduction of the new system is to include the conversion of the current paper-based palm and fingerprint data on to the APFIS database. The accompanying Fingerprints Act provides police with increased powers to fingerprint and photograph suspects in specific criminal matters without a court order.
Speaking at the contract signing with manufacturers SAGEM, at the Ministry of National Security's Oxford Road headquarters, National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips said of the system: "It is part of our overall commitment to use as up-to-date technology as possible to assist the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)."
DCP Bent said: "We'd like to thank the Government even though it's a little overdue."
LONG PROCESS
Dr. Phillips had earlier admitted that the process had been long, having made the announcement to purchase a fingerprinting system in March of last year.
"This machine is critical," DCP Bent told The Gleaner. "Fewer and fewer witnesses are willing to come forward through fear so this technology will prove essential in clearing up cases. We are also waiting on the Integrated Ballistics Information System (IBIS) machine and some new telecommunications equipment since ours is a little outdated."
DCP Bent said APFIS would add to the efficiency and effectiveness of the JCF, which was "anxiously awaiting the delivery".
