Devon and Cornwall part of a trial using the devices.
Officers will be able to check the identity of suspects using fingerprints while on patrol.
They hope the technology will help catch more criminals, especially those who provide false details.
Using both national and local databases the fingerprint readers can confirm the identity of a suspect within 30 seconds and a positive result will allow access to further records held on both databases.
Assistant Chief Constable Jim Colwell, has said: “The introduction of equipment like the fingerprint readers has a profound effect on our front line officers. It helps them to identify suspects on the street, to reduce the demand as well securing them more time on the streets to keep the public safe.
“The trial also highlights the importance of innovation within Devon and Cornwall Police and the work going into keeping us as one of the best forces in the country. Feedback from the trial will determine how this tool is rolled out across the force area in the near future.”
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