New device will help police tackle foreign national crime

Northamptonshire Police has deployed new hi-tech devices that will enable traffic officers to take fingerprints at the roadside and immediately establish whether somebody is wanted for immigration offences.

Dec 18, 2013
By Paul Jacques
Picture: Essex Police

Northamptonshire Police has deployed new hi-tech devices that will enable traffic officers to take fingerprints at the roadside and immediately establish whether somebody is wanted for immigration offences.

It also allows officers to verify the identity of anyone on the database, not just those suspected of committing an offence, but also anyone with an asylum or visa claim, or who is subject to immigration control.

The portable device, called RapID, is linked to the Home Office and will flag up anybody who is wanted by UK border agencies.

Police and crime commissioner Adam Simmonds said: “RapID will enhance Northamptonshire Police’s capacity to tackle organised crime. It will put officers on the front foot when dealing with a suspected immigration offence, and is a very powerful tool.

“This device is another excellent example of how we are embracing new technology to enable us to work more effectively and efficiently.”

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