The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba on Wednesday launched the SmartForce Database Management System (DMS) to ensure the digitalization of personnel records and biometric capturing of Nigeria Police Force (NPF) personnel. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, adding that it is projected to ease administrative bottlenecks, issue Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards for identification of personnel, and assist in tracking transfers and postings.
He said, “The SmartForce with storage servers domiciled in the Nigeria Police Force National Command Control Centre facilities and SmartForce office at the office of the Force Secretary in the Force Headquarters, Abuja is aimed at integrating the NPF into an ICT-based system.
“This is to simplify the management of NPF personnel records, manage the entire workforce of the police, uniquely manage and identify each personnel of the NPF, and it is structured with modern technological concepts to monitor the distribution of personnel workforce and access across the country.”
According to him, the Force Secretary will utilize the system to plan for the deployment of NPF personnel, budgetary-related issues, retrieval of serving and retired personnel records, and personnel tracing and identification.
Adejobi further said, “The IGP has equally flagged off the practical training of PPROs and ICT officers from the 36 state commands and the FCT, at the Force Headquarters on handling and usage of the gadgets provided for data capturing of all personnel including a modernized hi-tech biometric machine with unique features such as fingerprint scanner, 2D scanner, and smart facial recognition application.
“While reiterating his vision for a police driven by the integration of cutting-edge technology, the IG has ordered a total overhaul of the former system and a swift commencement of the digitalization process across all commands and formations of the force for timeous upgrade and operation of the system.”