|
| Police turns to ICT to fight crime |
2/19/2012 |
|
The Ghana Police Service say they are exploring modern technology to combat crime.
Director-General in charge of Research, Planning and ICT, David Asante-Apeatu, believes this is crucial in ensuring citizens get adequate protection.
He says the service has acquired some equipment to facilitate the work of personnel, and also improve their safety in the line of duty.
The Police Administration is taking steps to avert the situation where criminals outwit security agencies in future, with ICT training at the centre of its strategies, he said.
Thirty-four officers selected from across the country have been undergoing trainer of trainers ICT programme by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications.
Mr. Asante-Apeatu told the opening session at Nkwantakese in the Afigya Kwabre District of Ashanti, criminals in the world over have always been a step ahead of security agencies.
He however indicated the Police Service is committed in its resolve to scale the challenge, with new gadgets.
They include Automated Fingerprint Identification System, walkie-talkies, acquired with British government support, and the establishment of forensic laboratories at all regional command.
“It (crime combat) has been a challenge both in Ghana and elsewhere but we are on top of issues. We have made an ambitious step in making sure we have computerized our stores, our record office and our pay roll integrating all these units into one system”.
According to Mr. Asante-Apeatu, there are efforts to computerize police road checks by introducing a system where police can have on-the-spot information on vehicles.
“When it comes to DVLA for example, very soon we are going to come out with a system whereby police can easily assess information on drivers’ license and vehicles”.
The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications has, meanwhile, given the police 600 computers, projectors and 3,000 mobile phones.
Chief Executive, Kofi Attoh believes the advent of ICT-related crimes in recent times presents a challenge to the police administration.
He urged the police to take advantage of GIFEC programmes to improve in that area.
“They (criminals) use the ICT to break into peoples bank accounts, withdraw money from peoples account so when the police are aware of all these things, it made them proactive. They go on the net, they can learn about modern way of fighting crime. They can learn the best practices from the countries that are more advanced in this area”.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
