DORSET Police will become one of the first forces in the country to use new fast-track fingerprint technology in a move that will bring 'swifter justice to victims'.
The technology will be used to remotely transfer fingerprints directly from crime scenes to analysis which will speed up the identification process.
The fingerprint initiative comes as one of a number of projects being run by the Forensic Capability Network (FCN), a new national network dedicated to improving forensic science in policing and ensuring science is more efficient and consistent.
Dorset Police's Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) are part of these projects.
Ryan Howell, one of Dorset's regional forensic coordinators, said: "We will be one of the first forces in the country to develop this new technology, which allows CSIs to remotely transfer fingerprints recovered at crime scenes directly through to the fingerprint bureau.
"This means that identification will now be achieved in minutes and hours rather than days and weeks.
"This will allow us to apprehend suspects quickly, prevent possible further offending and ultimately lead to swifter justice for victims."
Dorset Police has its own team of dedicated CSIs who respond to crime scenes across the county. They form part of the South West Forensics.
Mr Howell said: "Our CSIs are supported by a number of other forensic specialist partners from across the region who help us maximise the service we give to victims of crime locally.
"As with the technology available to criminals, the technology available to CSIs is also continually improving.
"Dorset Police, along with other forces, works closely with the FCN on a number of research and development projects, as well as the introduction of new technology at crime scenes."
Dorset Police is continuing to receive feedback via a survey from people who live in, work in or visit the county to examine how much they know about some of the national and regional crime-fighting organisations the force works with.
The survey, which falls under the Your Dorset. Your Police. Your View. survey banner was launched on October 9 and runs until November 4, after which a second phase will launch to examine another aspect of policing.
To participate in the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YrDorset
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