Fugitives, criminals and suspects seeking to evade police could soon be unable to use false names to hide their true identity.
New technology that offers police instant access to national fingerprint databases is currently being tested by Merseyside Police .
The devices would mean anyone stopped by police could have their finger scanned - revealing who they are, providing their prints are on record.
The 'biometric scanners' are currently being trialled by the force's roads police unit.
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Small enough to be attached to a smartphone, they may be rolled out across the force - including to officers on foot patrol - if the trial proves successful.
The devices give officers access to criminal and immigration records - so anyone stopped by police and thought to be giving false details could be checked against those databases.
If that person's fingerprints have been recorded previously then their true identity would quickly be revealed.
The technology could help wanted suspects stopped for minor driving offences be identified.
Police believe the system will also prompt people to be more willing to give accurate personal information.
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The force told the ECHO fingerprints taken using the device will not be stored and are automatically deleted after a check has been completed.
Inspector Rob Budden said: “As well as identifying potential offenders, the fingerprint scanner can be used to identify someone who may have taken ill and is unable to identify themselves, which will speed up accurate medical attention.
“It is important that we continually improve our service to our communities."
