KINGSTON, Jamaica – Criminal records can now be integrated into national security systems more effectively for the execution of searches that will aid in the process of an investigation.

This follows the upgrading of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System, which is now known as the Multi-Biometric Identification System.

The new system, which law enforcers can also use in the field to collect biometric data with handheld devices, was implemented in February. It will replace the reliance on paper-based inputs of criminal records.

The details were shared during a visit to the JCF Criminal Records Office on Duke Street in Kingston by Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, who observed the new system in operation on Thursday, June 9.

According to Dr Chang, the US$5-million upgrade is critical, especially because “the demand for these records has increased exponentially”.

He pointed out that while the JCF requires criminal records for investigation purposes, many citizens make applications in order to secure employment opportunities.

“We can see this just from the [crowds] outside of individuals coming from four or five o’clock in the morning [for access],” he further noted.

Against that backdrop, Chang emphasised that more work will be done to improve and replace manual procedures.

“There are still a lot of manual procedures here and I don’t think we have enough building space to file all the paper files. They will all have to be digitised,” he said.

The ministry will support amendments to the legislation, should it be required for this transition, under the advice of its legal team, he added.

The replaced Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System was first put into operation in October 2006. It was primarily used to aid in investigations by the JCF.