The Conyers Police department has started using the six biometric fingerprint identification systems (RAPID-ID) it received by using a $21,350 grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) in August.

Conyers Police officers have participated in training with an instructor from DataWorks Plus last week on how to use the RAPID-ID devices.

The devices, somewhat larger and bulkier than walkie-talkie radios, have since been put into the field.

"With the RAPID-ID devices, we are able to identify and quickly detain individuals, in mere seconds, if there is just cause," said Major Scott Freeman. "Not only does RAPID-ID precipitate results in identifying individuals, but it lets officers know who they're dealing with, thereby aiding in keeping officers and the public safe."

With RAPID-ID, an officer can scan a person's finger on a mobile scanning device and the system automatically searches state and federal arrest databases for a positive match. The officer will be notified within seconds if any positive matches have been found, and any data found in the database can be viewed. Results from the search can include criminal history, warrant information and mug shot images.