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DNA and Facial Recognition Systems to Revolutionize Criminal Investigations in India

India to Implement DNA and Facial Recognition Systems in Police Stations
In April 2022, the Indian Parliament passed the Criminal Procedure Identification Act (CrPI Act), which allows the police and investigating agencies to collect and analyze physical and biological samples from arrested individuals. This includes gathering retina and iris scans. The objective is to implement advanced DNA and facial recognition technology in police stations across India, to aid criminal investigations.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has been given the responsibility of rolling out these new systems in around 1,300 locations. This is an ambitious initiative towards modernizing and upgrading the current crime investigation processes.
Overview
Sections | Details |
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The CrPI Act |
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Implementation Plans |
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Concerns Raised |
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Safeguards Needed |
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Impact |
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Key Developments
Passage of the CrPI Act
The CrPI Act replaces the outdated Identification of Prisoners Act from 1920. The old act only permitted the police to collect fingerprints, footprints and photographs of convicted prisoners and some arrested individuals.
The new act significantly expands the scope by enabling collection of DNA samples and use of facial recognition technology. This is expected to make investigation and identification of criminals much more efficient.
Initiatives for Implementation
The NCRB has been working on formulating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed during the collection of measurements and samples from arrested persons.
Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked states to identify suitable locations where Measurement Collection Units (MCUs) can be set up, as per NCRB’s recommendations. The NCRB will maintain the national-level database.
To facilitate smooth execution, the MHA has also constituted a domain committee comprising police officials, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. A technical sub-committee has also been formed to prepare the SOPs.
Integration with Existing Systems
The new systems will be integrated with the existing National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) being used by the police. NAFIS contains fingerprint data of more than 1 crore accused and convicts, and is already available in around 1300 police stations across India.

Concerns and Challenges
Privacy and Constitutionality Concerns
When the CrPI Act was introduced in the Parliament, many opposition members objected to it, claiming it is unconstitutional and violates the privacy of individuals. There are apprehensions that without proper safeguards, the DNA and facial recognition data could be misused.
Logistic and Connectivity Issues
Lack of resources and training for police personnel is a major challenge, as highlighted by officials from several state police departments. While the central government will provide funding for hardware, the states have to bear the costs of internet connectivity and operation expenses.
Many states are already facing financial constraints in their police budgets. There are also concerns regarding connectivity and infrastructure in remote areas. Proper training of police staff across all states will be essential for effectively utilizing these systems.
Way Forward
Robust Safeguards against Misuse
The NCRB has emphasized the need for appropriate technological, legal and security safeguards to prevent misuse of the databases. Access should be limited to authorized officials only. The tools and technology used must be advanced and legally compliant.
Ensuring Data Security
It is critical to have robust protocols in place regarding data usage, storage and security. Access to the databases should be in real-time for only designated officials, with strong encryption and cyber security measures. This will help gain confidence regarding protection of personal data.
Balancing Privacy and Law Enforcement
While implementing the systems, India needs to strike a balance between empowering law enforcement agencies and protecting civil liberties & privacy of citizens. Sufficient oversight is required to prevent excessive encroachment on individual freedoms.
Final Thoughts
The DNA and facial recognition systems will significantly upgrade India’s criminal identification infrastructure. However, there are valid concerns around privacy, resources, training and infrastructure.
Effective coordination between the central and state agencies will be crucial for its smooth adoption across the country. If implemented properly with sufficient safeguards, it can greatly increase the efficiency of police investigations and identification of culprits. However, India needs to ensure individual rights are not compromised in the process.