Japan police to trial AI-based fingerprint matching

Jan 11, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The National Police Agency of Japan has announced plans to implement several projects incorporating advanced technology into police operations, including a pilot program utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for fingerprint identification.

The AI-based fingerprint identification pilot program scheduled for the new fiscal year will involve AI in the partial matching process of fragmented fingerprints collected at crime scenes against a vast database. While the final verification will still be conducted by humans, the use of AI to enhance the clarity of fingerprints and extract key features will be evaluated for its potential to accelerate investigations.

The agency also plans to install sensors that use millimeter waves, a type of electromagnetic wave, in detention facilities to monitor detainees' vital signs, such as breathing and heart rate. This model project aims to promptly detect changes in health conditions and prevent incidents like in-custody deaths.

The agency is also moving forward with the deployment of small cameras on police officers responsible for tasks such as stop-and-question procedures, traffic violation enforcement, and crowd control. The cameras are intended to ensure proper execution of duties and to serve as a record of police activities.

The National Police Agency has stated its intention to "introduce advanced technology to the field to make effective use of limited personnel and to achieve faster and more efficient operations." For these related projects, 60 million yen has been earmarked in the initial budget for the new fiscal year.

Source: NHK

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