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The Advanced Technology Section (ATS) examines about 30 000 pieces of exhibit per year on average at present. To meet the growing demand and ensure compliance with the international standard ISO 17025, the Identification Bureau (IB) has spent five years to plan for the expansion of the Forensic Fingerprint Laboratory (FFL), which has been officially put into service since August 22. The expanded laboratory provides designated areas for specific items to be tested, not only to improve the examination efficiency and the ability to handle larger, more complex exhibits, but also promotes the development of new techniques. Moreover, an artificial intelligence (AI) system has also been introduced for the first time to assist in detecting valuable fingerprints for comparative evaluation.
In addition to conducting inspections in the laboratory, ATS technicians will also go to the scene of serious crimes for investigation and on-site inspection. Senior Superintendent of IB Chan Sing-cheong outlined the future plans, “IB will actively enhance staff training and employ new technology. On software, IB will proactively send officers to the Mainland and overseas for training and further studies. It will seek collaboration with fingerprint technology companies and professional institutes to jointly develop and apply technology tools of the new generation. On hardware, we will launch the Crime Scene Investigation Vehicle next year, which can serve as a mobile fingerprint laboratory capable of performing fingerprint tests on exhibits freshly collected at scene for identifying criminals swiftly.”
For the future, IB is planning to establish a forensic vehicle examination compound especially for comprehensive fingerprint examination on suspected or case vehicles. Instant vehicle tests in enclosed environment with prompt results can be conducted in the laboratory and major installations attached to the compound.
Ever-stretching from scratch
In the early days, powdering technique was essentially used for fingerprint detection. This method, however, was not suitable for a variety of materials, such as adhesive tape, blood-stained or wet surfaces. With the establishment of ATS, the methods for fingerprint inspection and process planning have been innovated, and the technology and equipment have also been improved. Currently, fingerprints can be revealed with application of lasers, ultraviolet and infrared lights on most objects without damaging the fingerprint residues on exhibits. The same exhibit can undergo chemical tests repeatedly with different chemicals, dyes and solvents to fully reveal the invisible fingerprints. The relevant technology has become so popular that it is adopted for daily fingerprint inspection work in general criminal cases.
Recruiting talents from diverse domains
The Force has always been committed to recruiting talents from various professional fields so that their professional knowledge can be pooled for fighting crime and coping with diversified policing duties. Chief Inspector of Advanced Technology Section Tan Tung-fai, who joined the IB in 2014, shared that he got his doctorate degree in Biochemistry at The University of Hong Kong in 2005. He had hoped to contribute to society with his professional scientific knowledge after graduation, and joining IB of the Force was his goal. In 2005, he applied to join the Force. After serving as a police constable for three years, Tan applied for inspectorship and succeeded. He eventually passed out with outstanding results and as the awardee of Brian Slevin Trophy and Baton of Honour.
Tan feels very happy that he can give full play to his strength in his professional field and apply what he has learned to his work. Regarding the Force’s proactive recruitment plan to attract talents, he encourages young people with his own experience, “The Force is full of opportunities. One who is willing to work hard will surely get the chance to demonstrate their strengths and gain recognition and reward.”
