The evolving nature of crime has made it imperative for law enforcement agencies to keep themselves updated at all times. In an effort to use technology to combat crime more effectively, the FBI wants faster, better and more effective capture of fingerprints and facial images on its mobile devices — with the ability to transmit this information quickly across cellular networks.

The existing Quick Capture Platform has been a great tool, but the bureau thinks they need a more advanced one. The software must be easy to install and launch so the FBI can help officers to collect data and apprehend criminals without wasting valuable time in times of emergency. Compatibility with various mobile platforms will allow more efficient collection of biometric information, like fingerprints, voice patterns and facial recognition.

In a recent announcement, the FBI invited bids from various mobile biometric application providers. The request included a detailed list of features that the advanced mobile biometric application will offer through an agent's smartphone and tablet.

Similar requests are popping up from other domestic agencies as well as international police departments. For example, the police in New South Wales, Australia, just started looking for vendors for a portable fingerprint scanner. And the City of Baltimore is also trying to acquire high-tech mobile biometric equipment for its police force.

More government agencies and law enforcement departments around the world are turning to mobile biometrics for better and more efficient police work. These new technologies have immense capacity to speed up scanning and processing of people and evidence. Mobile biometric technology enables the collection and systematic matching of this data in minutes.

Biometric apps and devices allow the police to collect data like facial characteristics, fingerprints, tattoos, iris patterns and DNA. This information is then analyzed at scene, paving the way for quicker apprehension of the perpetrators. Officers can not only quickly determine the identity of a person, but can also save lives if priors like violent behavior, arms involvement or warrants for arrests can be detected.

The technology benefits more than just law enforcement departments. The military has been using it and improving upon the technology for years. Biometrics are also finding increasing use in industries like financial services and banking, healthcare and commercial shipping, among others.

Mobile biometrics play a big role beyond regular patrolling, crime prevention or border control. For law enforcement agencies and governments, the technology offers a higher level of security for cybercrimes. Hackers today are using technologies that enable them to commit heinous crimes without fear of getting caught. The emerging mobile and cloud-based platforms in biometric technology pave the way for better security and crime tracking in such cases.

While biometrics have always made a strong impact in police work, mobile biometrics promise even better results. The sourced and synergized data will be more accurate, convenient to use and authenticated. Thus, the deployment of biometric recognition via mobile and wearable technology will lead to significant enhancement in security.