The Identification Bureau comprises the Fingerprint Bureau and the Linked Crime Unit

Fingerprint Bureau

The Fingerprint Bureau have systems in place which offer a national search facility for finger and palm marks that is capable of comparing more than 100,000 fingerprint impressions per second! The system can search fragments of fingerprints against a national database in excess of six million people.

Electronic fingerprint capture enables fingerprints to be taken from detainees' and immediately searched against the national database of crime scene marks to verify their identification and search against outstanding fingerprints from other crime scenes, whilst they are still in custody.

The Fingerprint Bureau can even identify criminals through their footprints, which are also unique. Some fingerprint experts are also trained in handwriting analysis

The Linked Crime Unit

The Linked Crime Unit uses a specialist computer system to link crime scenes and suspects in custody using footwear evidence. The Unit also researches other evidence types to produce intelligence that enables investigators to maximise opportunities to detect crime when people are in custody.