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Zimbabwe police go digital

by Staff reporter
5 hrs ago | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in partnership with the Zimbabwe Centre for High-Performance Computing (ZCHPC), is developing an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to enhance smart policing and streamline criminal tracking processes.

The innovative system, demonstrated at ZCHPC offices in Harare, aims to replace the traditional manual fingerprint analysis with a faster, more efficient automated process.

ZRP Commissioner General Steven Mutamba highlighted the transformative potential of the technology during the demonstration. "There is a different way of accounting for criminals. We have been doing this manually, and you can imagine looking at the fingerprint lines manually, producing a magnifying glass. It takes time," he said.

"In this day and age, we don't expect criminals to be waiting for us," added Commissioner General Mutamba, emphasizing the need for modern solutions to combat crime effectively.

The automated system leverages advanced computing technology to compare and match fingerprints with high accuracy, significantly reducing the time required to identify suspects. This marks a major shift from traditional methods that rely on manual analysis, which can be labor-intensive and prone to delays.

The collaboration between ZRP and ZCHPC underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology in law enforcement. The project is expected to bolster criminal investigations, improve efficiency, and enhance public safety.

Once fully operational, the system will provide a central database of fingerprints, enabling law enforcement agencies to quickly and accurately identify individuals linked to criminal activities.

The development of the AFIS aligns with global trends in adopting technology-driven solutions for policing. It reflects the ZRP's commitment to modernizing its operations and staying ahead in the fight against crime.

The initiative is also expected to enhance public confidence in the justice system by ensuring timely and accurate identification of offenders. As the system progresses, it could serve as a foundation for further technological advancements in Zimbabwe's law enforcement sector.

The launch date for the system's full implementation has not yet been announced, but officials expressed optimism about its potential to transform criminal tracking in Zimbabwe.


Source - The Chronicle