The modernisation of Indian police forces
The second most populated nation in the world has its infrastructure challenges. Therefore, the Indian Police Service embraces the possibilities of technology to ensure public safety.
The Henry Method
Fingerprints are a fundamental tool in every police force for identifying people with a criminal history. Now, let’s travel back in time together. The late 19th century marked a significant change in criminal investigations in then-British India.
Statisticians Hem Chandra Bose, Qazi Azizul Haque and Sir Edward Henry developed the Henry Classification System to classify and store fingerprints so that searching could be performed quickly and efficiently. Ten-print records were placed into groups based on the fingerprint pattern type. This method was more accurate and saved time, and the procedure didn’t require any specialist training.
The system paved the way for modern methods and replaced the Bertillon System, which used fingerprinting as the primary identification method.
In 2001, a plaque was placed in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, remembering Henry and his achievements. Haque and Bose had an award named after them for the most outstanding presentation of fingerprints or work stream.
Whorl pattern
Circular or spiral patterns named whorl patterns are used to define a primary grouping for the set of fingerprints.
India to London
Sir Henry served as the Inspector-General of the Bengal Police in the early 1890’s and was appointed Metropolitan Police Commissioner in 1903.
1024
The system consisted of four classifications: primary, secondary, sub-secondary and final. Every finger can be registered in one of the 1024 possible groups.
From AFIS to AMBIS
The police forces could process more data, improving criminal statistics and analysis. The developments from a century ago formed the basis for the mode day AFIS, Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
Today, various technologies such as the Automated Multi-modal Biometric Identification System or AMBIS will speed up police investigations by matching iris scans and fingerprints against an existing database of individuals. Biometric handhelds will assist with the registration of new scans and prints. Maharashtra became the first state in the police investigation to implement the AMBIS system.
Mobile solutions for law enforcement officials
The innovations throughout the years show us that there is no average day for a police officer. When it comes to the needs of Indian law enforcement officials, their security is at the forefront and at Laxton, we consider that at every point. Our hardware devices are rugged and durable on the outside, and the software and integration inside are built for security.
Vishal Pandole, VP of Indian Sub-Continent Territory: “The modernisation of police forces all around India is happening at a tremendous speed. The capacity and capability of various establishments and operations are ever-increasing. By equipping the forces with cutting-edge mobile solutions, we strengthen the police infrastructure.”
