Police boost forensic capabilities with new tech
The police say they are rolling out advanced technology to boost their forensic capabilities, including equipment that can rapidly detect fingerprints even on challenging surfaces, such as bullets.  The force said its forensic laboratory pored over more than 30,000 exhibits last year and was able to identify some 572 people involved in criminal cases.  To help deal with the increasing workload, the force has bought three fingerprint identification machines from the UK at a cost of HK$1.5 million.  Senior Inspector Marin Hirunpongsun said the machines would enhance their operational efficiency. "Our examination time for a single paper has been significantly reduced to less than a minute, compared to the previous duration of up to an hour," he said.  The other machines specialise in the detection of fingerprints on challenging materials such as bullets and banknotes with complex backgrounds and fluorescent printing. Senior inspector Roland Tung said the devices can detect fingerprints on a wide range of surfaces. "Even in the face of extreme environmental conditions, such as wet or burnt exhibits, we are able to detect fingerprints," he said.  Meanwhile, the police said they would introduce a mobile laboratory next year, specifically designed to take forensic equipment to the scene of serious crime.