Delhi Police's Fingerprint Bureau Gets ISO Certification

Time of India

6 days ago

New Delhi: The Fingerprint Bureau of
achieved a notable milestone by receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certificate. This quality management system standard acknowledges its rigorous methods and procedures in fingerprint analysis and crime investigation, as certified by a quality control certification body.
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This is significant as the certification has made the investigations validated by the bureau more credible, according to police. The bureau helped crack a significant number of cases in the last three years, the data shows.
According to special commissioner of police Devesh Srivastava, the bureau helped solve 171 cases in 2022, while 275 cases were solved in 2023, and the figure rose to 314 in 2024. By July 25, the bureau already helped crack 101 cases.
Given the performance of the last few years, police brass decided to obtain the standardisation of its work.
The processes and technicalities of its working were formalised and documented. After a thorough audit of the procedure and documentation, the Quality Control Certification granted the ISO 9001:2015 certificate to the Fingerprint Bureau Unit.
Established in 1983, the bureau is a specialised wing that plays a crucial role in identifying suspects and linking them to crime scenes through scientific analysis of fingerprints.
"Initially, fingerprint-related work for Delhi Police was managed by the Fingerprint Bureau in Phillaur, Punjab. While this arrangement served its purpose, the process of obtaining fingerprint results was often time-consuming and challenging for Investigating Officers," Srivastava recalled.
Recognising the need for a more efficient and streamlined system, the establishment of an independent Fingerprint Bureau for the Union Territory of Delhi was proposed.
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In response, a full-fledged Fingerprint Bureau was set up in 1983 at RK Puram. The first batch of fingerprint cadre personnel joined in 1985, marking the beginning of expert, in-house fingerprint analysis in Delhi.
"With a vast database pool of over 5 lakh criminals, the bureau, which is a part of the crime branch, utilises advanced forensic techniques and software to deliver accurate and timely results," Srivastava said.
The Fingerprint Bureau databases include the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFPIS), the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), and the Crime Record Information System (CRIS).
The use of modern technology and traditional expertise has made it an indispensable part of Delhi Police's crime-solving mechanism, members of the team said. "The bureau's activities include capturing finger/palm prints of arrested and convicted persons, editing and analysing received finger/palm slips, and operating modern applications.
The unit also imparts training and refresher courses for Delhi Police personnel and other law enforcement agencies," explained a senior officer.
The ISO standard provides a framework for consistently delivering services that meet court and regulatory requirements, ultimately contributing to a higher rate of conviction. The bureau's director, Sanjay Jha, works in close coordination with DCP Harsh Indora to analyse possible suspects in crimes.
This certification is expected to further improve the quality and legal value of evidence. "This recognition highlights the unit's commitment to maintaining high standards in crime investigation. It is also a testament to the police striving for quality management and public satisfaction," Srivastava added.