Dubai’s ballistic ID network integrates with Interpol’s database

Dubai’s ballistic ID network integrates with Interpol’s database

The Dubai Police has successfully integrated its ballistic identification network with Interpol’s database. This will help the force compare over 1.8 million ballistic fingerprints worldwide in under an hour.

“This significant milestone enhances the Force’s efforts in unravelling the mysteries of crimes, identifying the type of firearm used, and determining the user’s identity,” said Major-General Ahmad Thani bin Ghalita, Director of the General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology at the Dubai Police.

The ballistics fingerprint database helps determine if a firearm has been used in other crimes. Comparisons can be made with civilian firearms, shooting clubs, police institutions and more.

The perpetrators’ records are collated with what can be determined by the ballistics database, pinpointing their identity. The linkage, however, will not invade the privacy rights of those on the ballistics identification network.

“The system doesn’t permit users to browse other databases; it only displays matching results with the reference numbers of institutions that input the data so that police agencies can communicate and coordinate with each other to follow up on their investigative procedures according to internationally approved policies and regulations in this regard,” stated Captain Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Shamsi, Head of Firearms and Tool Marks.

Recently, a number of biometric technologies have been updated and implemented into security measures across Dubai.