The Bermuda Police Service is pleased to announce the introduction of a new electronic system of taking fingerprints and photographs from persons in Police custody arrested for criminal offences. The system known as ‘LIVESCAN’ has been installed in two Police stations with a third due for installation in Spring 2008. This new method scans the fingerprints and palm prints using an electronic scanning device, replacing the conventional method of using an ink pad, roller and paper based forms.

Once the fingerprint images have been captured they are immediately electronically transmitted to the Bermuda Police Service’s central Fingerprint Database, for comparison against possible outstanding crime scene marks. This new process will allow fingerprints to be compared and matched far easier and quicker than before, as well as confirming the identity of the person giving the fingerprints. In addition, it will save Police officers time in the actual taking of the fingerprints.

The LIVESCAN system supplied by a US Company 'Cross Match Technologies' has been approved by the Attorney General as an approved device and Bermuda Police Service operational officers are currently being trained in its use. It is expected to be formally introduced within the next few weeks.