In this special blog by Sarra Ghaïb, Sales Manager and Business Development, Biometrics at HID Global, based in Brazil, explores how law enforcement in Brazil is utilising HID’s biometric technology to revolutionise its processes.

Law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly using technology to address challenges by improving efficiency and accuracy — from expedited identification processes to streamlined criminal bookings. Today, biometrics stand out as a transformative technology that is strengthening the landscape of law enforcement.

Fingerprint technology solves identity verification challenges

The Civil Police of the State of São Paulo, Brazil’s largest state police force, recognised the potential of biometrics to battle significant challenges in criminal bookings and identification.

One major obstacle was the fragmented identity system across the country — each of Brazil’s 27 states had its own siloed program. This fragmentation contributed to widespread identity fraud, as individuals could create multiple identities to facilitate illegal activities. In addition, the manual fingerprinting process hindered efforts to curb fraud, maintain law and order, and improve productivity.

To resolve these issues, the Civil Police of the State of São Paulo implemented BioKit, a comprehensive biometrics-based identification system, featuring HID’s high-precision tenprint scanner. This well-regarded tenprint scanner is designed to provide a cost-effective approach to fingerprint acquisition without compromising image quality.

Key advantages of the tenprint scanner include:

• High-Quality Tenprint Capture — FBI Appendix F (FAP 60) certified and able to quickly capture high-resolution rolled and flat fingerprints
• Ease of Use — User-friendly pictographs and LED indicators simplify the process for operators
• Automatic Capture — Patented “Auto-Capture” to secure fast, error-free images
• Difficult Fingerprint Capability — An optional silicone membrane improves image quality for individuals with dry or damaged skin to ensure consistent results
• ABIS Integration — Seamlessly integrates with Brazil’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to enable quick and accurate background checks
• Armed with exceptional biometric tools, the criminal booking process for the São Paulo police force is significantly simplified and can be accomplished in minutes — not days.

To date, systems have been deployed in 500 civil police stations, resulting in a significant increase in solved criminal cases and a steep reduction in identity fraud. The state of São Paulo is now on a path toward a more unified, national system rooted in the power of biometrics.

“The HID tenprint scanner is easy to use and provides clear direction through pictographs, which is a big differentiator from other offerings,” said Dr. Luis Ortiz, Chief Delegate, Civil Police of the State of São Paulo. “Our agents can accurately identify or onboard suspects, and each biometric enrollment into the centralized ABIS contributes to strengthening our country’s overall identity system.”

Unrivaled accuracy, efficiency and security With best-in-class fingerprint verification

Tapping into the power of biometrics is a game-changer for Brazilian law enforcement. Today’s digital livescan innovations enable officers to capture superior fingerprint images via FBI-certified tenprint, dual finger or palm scanners that are fast, intuitive and reliable.

Fingerprint technology empowers law enforcement to:

• Enhance Accuracy — High-quality biometric data ensures fast and accurate matching, minimizing the risk of mistaken identity
• Increase Efficiency — Automating and streamlining the fingerprint process saves time and resources, allowing agencies to focus on other critical tasks
• Integrate Databases — Modern fingerprint systems can be integrated with national and international databases, improving the ability to track and apprehend criminals across different jurisdictions
• Improve Security — Advanced fingerprint scanners provide real-time identity verification, which is crucial in urgent situations and helps officers make informed decisions on the spot

Framing the future of biometrics in Brazil

Additional use cases for the BioKit + HID tenprint scanner go beyond criminal bookings to also include border control, background checks, correctional centers, courtrooms, voter registration and national ID programs. Biometric possibilities can support Brazil in combating fraud while providing citizens and stakeholders with a simple, fast and trusted method for biometric enrollments and identification processes.

Get a more detailed look at this real-world use case: HID Tenprint Scanner Modernizes Identity Verification and Criminal Booking for Brazilian Law Enforcement.

Additional Resources: 

Stay updated — subscribe to the monthly HID Biometric Beat 

Learn more about biometrics in law enforcement 

Explore HID livescan offerings 

Discover HID’s tenprint, dual finger and palm scanners 

For more HID Global news, click here