The computer assisted fingerprint identification system has greatly reduced the investigative workload of fingerprint specialists by quickly narrowing the field of suspects

THE application of the Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System (CAFIS), the latest computer technology in fingerprint identification, by the Force's Identification Bureau has achieved remarkable results. ¡@The CAFIS, which applies computer technology to fingerprint storage, search and identification procedures, not only provides a better result in matching fingerprints but has also doubled the number of suspects that have been positively identified.

¡@The project has been so successful that law enforcement officers from Japan, Malaysia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Macau and China have all toured the CAFIS project site to experience the reliable and user friendly fingerprint identification system which has helped the Force to positively identify culprits who might otherwise remain unknown. ¡@Officiating at a ceremony to mark the taking over of CAFIS Phase II Project from the NEC Corporation, the Director of Crime and Security of Police, Douglas Lau Yuk-kuen said the acquisition of the latest computer technology by IB to match fingerprints lifted at crime scenes with those taken from convicted criminals signalled a milestone in the fight against crime. ¡@"For almost a century, fingerprints have enjoyed unparalleled success in the field of physical evidence," said SACP Lau. "No other branch of forensic science can lay claim to solving even a fraction of the crime cases resolved through fingerprint identification, and is internationally recognised as the most direct, effective and efficient method of personal identification." ¡@But while the basics for fingerprint comparison and identification have remained virtually unchanged, the advance of computer technology in the last decade has brought about revolutionary changes in the storage and searching of fingerprints. ¡@Prior to CAFIS, which was implemented in 1991 after two years of researching computerised fingerprint identification systems, all comparisons of hard-copy prints were done manually. ¡@The CAFIS, which became operational in IB in May 1991, houses 510,000 fingerprint forms relating to active criminals and 45,000 unidentified fingerprint marks from crime scenes. CAFIS Phase II, which started operating in April, involves the loading of all convicted criminalsÕ fingerprint records onto the CAFIS database. ¡@The database now contains a total of 842,000 fingerprint forms and 44,000 outstanding fingerprint marks from crime scenes. ¡@CAFIS operates by a combination of man and machine, where the computer limits the search area to a few likely files which are then inspected by highly trained specialists in the Bureau who confirm the identities. ¡@The process is relatively simple and straightforward. Prints taken from the criminals or lifted at crime scenes are scanned into the database. In searches, the software has been written to identify and select prints with similar features. The computer indicates possible targets for further investigations. ¡@CAFIS has greatly reduced the investigative workload of fingerprint specialists by quickly narrowing the field of suspects. ¡@On future plans to further enhance IB's ability to identify fingerprints and thereby detect crime, SACP Lau said ways to capture palmprints and to connect CAFIS to all police stations were being considered.

Police Studies degree tough but worth it
TWENTY-FIVE police officers have completed a part-time distance learning degree programme in Policing and Police Studies run by the University of Portsmouth in the UK. ¡@The degree subjects provide graduates with a broad perspective of the role police play within the context of a modern and complicated society, as well as the issues which directly influence how a police force manages change and sets its strategic objectives.	Part-time distance learning degree grads with U of P directors and Force brass
¡@Eighteen officers completed the BSc (Honours) degree course, while seven graduated with diplomas. The certificates were presented by Pro-vice Chancellor of Portsmouth University, Dr Malcolm McVicar, and international office Deputy Director David Ross at a ceremony held last month at the Police Training School. Also attending the ceremony were Assistant Commissioner of Police, Training, Chau Foo-cheong and Commandant of PTS Wong Doon-yee. ¡@Praising their achievement, ACP Chau said: "We share a feeling of professional respect and pride towards our colleagues who have shown great focus and determination in successfully completing their studies." ¡@In keeping with the Force's high professional standards, the BSc (Honours) in "Policing and Police Studies" programme was started in 1993 to give officers a tangible and recognisable reward for their efforts in professional development, and was designed by the Institution of Police and Criminological Studies (one of the world's largest providers of police studies courses). ¡@In addition to the degree programme (which only accepts officers with suitable qualifications), the Force and the University of Portsmouth designed a four-month distance learning "Introduction to Police Studies" course for junior police officers. Successful completion of this course entitles them to proceed directly on to the more advanced diploma and degree programmes which are conducted entirely in English. ¡@Said ACP Chau: "Today's graduates testify to the growing momentum within the Force of professionals striving to improve themselves and to serve the community with greater vitality and understanding. This bodes well for the future of the Force, as well as the whole community.Ó ¡@Dr Chu Yiu-kong, the Hong Kong representative of the Institute of Police and Criminological Studies said: "The next semester of this programme is designed specifically for serving police officers who want to study at their own pace." ¡@Created by University of Portsmouth staff with specialist expertise in police studies, the degree programme is delivered through distance learning packages, can be completed in three years or less, and offers relevant subjects such as crime and the criminal, management studies, interviewing and evidence, and psychology and policing. ¡@All students must be prepared to study on average 15 hours per week, and seek access to libraries for additional sources of information. Examinations are held every six months (the average length of each course subject), while all assignments must be forwarded to the UK for evaluation. ¡@Officers who successfully complete this course may enroll in a two-year, post-graduate Masters degree programme in Criminal Justice Studies. ¡@Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis. The BSc degree programme costs HK$10,800, while the Master degree programme is HK$15,000. ¡@For more information contact Dr Chu by phone (2671-5154), fax (2679-6538), post (PO Box 881, Sheung Shui Post Office, Hong Kong), or Email (ykvchu@netvigator.com). ¡@Or contact: BSc (Hons) Admissions, IPCS, Ravelin House, Ravelin Park, Museum Road, Portsmouth P01 2QQ, England. Phone (002 44 1705 843933), fax (002 44 1705 843939), or Email (carolyn.still@port.ac.uk).