Enhancing Efficiency with the RTID System

Enhancing Efficiency with the RTID System: A Modern Solution by the RCMP

Introduction

The Real Time Identification (RTID) system, developed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), addresses the inefficiencies of the traditional fingerprint identification and criminal record system. By re-engineering and automating outdated processes, the RTID system transforms the remaining paper-based infrastructure into a seamless, paperless electronic system. This modernization allows the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) to complete tasks in hours and days, rather than the weeks and months previously required.

Service Delivery Targets for RTID

The RTID system has set ambitious service delivery targets to enhance efficiency:

• Criminal Ten-Print Searches: Previously taking up to ten weeks, these identifications are now completed within two hours. This rapid turnaround is crucial for police during criminal bookings.
• Latent Searches: Latent fingerprints, often found at crime scenes, used to take up to six weeks for identification. With RTID, these searches are now completed within 24 hours.
• Civil Services: Fingerprint and criminal record checks, essential for security clearances, job applications, travel permissions, and immigration purposes, are now processed within three business days. This is a significant improvement from the several months it used to take.

Automation and Ongoing Improvements

The RTID system is largely automated, meeting service delivery targets for almost all requests related to criminal ten-print searches, latent searches, and civil clearances. Continuous efforts are being made to achieve these targets for all criminal identity searches and criminal record updates. This includes the Criminal Justice Information Modernization (CJIM) project, which aims to implement the first phase of electronic disposition updates for criminal records.

CJIM Project and Future Enhancements

The initial phase of the CJIM project involves the pilot distribution of the CJIM Rich Web Client to select law enforcement agencies. This web client will enable rapid, accurate, and timely electronic updates of court dispositions (e.g., guilty, acquitted) to criminal charges previously filed. The goal is to ensure that criminal record updates for electronically submitted dispositions are published to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system within two minutes of reception. This is a significant improvement over the weeks or months currently required for paper-based updates.

Conclusion

The RTID system represents a significant leap forward in the efficiency and accuracy of fingerprint identification and criminal record management in Canada. By automating and modernizing these processes, the RCMP is better equipped to meet the demands of law enforcement and public safety in a timely manner.