Rapid Action Battalion

The Onsite Identification and Verification System (OIVS) is a mobile technology device used by Bangladesh's elite security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), to instantly identify and verify information about suspects and criminals in the field.[1][2]

Background

Prior to OIVS, when RAB arrested suspects, officers had to transport them to the nearest RAB office to manually look up their fingerprints, national IDs, and other information in databases to identify them. This delay allowed criminals using fake identities or disguise to avoid proper identification.[3]

To modernize operations and solve these problems, RAB's Communication and MIS Wing developed OIVS in 2021 as a field-based biometric and database identity verification system.[4]

Technology

OIVS consists of a portable, smartphone-like device that can be operated anywhere through an internet connection. By inputting a suspect's fingerprint, national ID number, or date of birth into the OIVS device, officers can instantly pull up identification information and criminal history from connected government databases.[5][1]

The system currently connects to Bangladesh's National ID, passport, criminal records, and prison records databases. More databases such as driving licenses may be integrated in the future.[6]

The software for the device was made in Bangladesh,[7] and the hardware were imported from abroad.[8]

Future Development

Planned OIVS upgrades include:[9]

  • Expanding database connectivity to driving licenses, immigration, and police databases
  • Enabling photo-matching capabilities along with biometrics
  • Improving security features on the devices

Usage

OIVS aids RAB in:[8][10]

  • Identifying arrested suspects and criminals in the field, even those using disguises or fake IDs
  • Accessing prior criminal records and arrests for questioning and investigations
  • Adding biometric and biographical data on new suspects into the system
  • Identifying bodies of deceased individuals
  • Reuniting mentally disabled people separated from families.

As of early 2024, over 15 RAB battalions across Bangladesh have received OIVS devices and officer training. Company commanders currently operate the devices with strict security protocols.[11]

The device has been used in the 2024 national election.[12][13]

Impact

By facilitating rapid in-field suspect identification, OIVS has increased the speed and effectiveness of RAB's operations. Within months of launch, OIVS has aided investigations into over 10 major criminal cases.[4] The technology has been credited with identifying wanted murder suspects, members of terrorist organizations, as well as unknown deceased bodies and mentally disabled people to return them to families faster.[2][14]

Other uses

United States

The Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS) is an electronic insurance verification device mandated by the state of Alabama to enforce automobile insurance requirements. Implemented in 2013 after a pilot testing phase, OIVS allows authorized government agencies and law enforcement entities to instantly check if a vehicle has valid insurance coverage through integration with insurance company databases.[15][16]

OIVS was established under Alabama Legislative Act 2011-688 which tasked the Alabama Department of Revenue with developing an online verification system. Insurance companies licensed in Alabama are required to cooperate by providing real-time access to auto insurance data through web services. This allows OIVS users to submit queries with details like VIN number, policy number and date, which insurance companies must confirm or deny current coverage for.[15]

References

  1. 1 2 Report, Star Digital (2024-01-04). "Rab using instant identification device to nab criminals". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  2. 1 2 "অপরাধী শনাক্তে র‍্যাবের প্রযুক্তি ওআইভিএস যেভাবে কাজ করবে". BBC News বাংলা (in Bengali). Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  3. ↑ "অপরাধী ধরতে ওআইভিএস প্রযুক্তি নিয়ে ভোটের মাঠে র‍্যাব". banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 2024-01-05. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  4. 1 2 "ওআইভিএস নিয়ে নির্বাচনের মাঠে র‍্যাব". Samakal. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  5. ↑ "ওআইভিএস ডিভাইস নিয়ে মাঠে র‍্যাব, খুঁজছে অপরাধী". banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 2024-01-06. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  6. ↑ Report, Star Digital (2021-02-28). "Rab launches on-site identification, verification system to check criminal profile instantly". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  7. ↑ ISTL-PDS_RAB OIVS HHAS.pdf (istlbd.com)
  8. 1 2 "OIVS tech introduced". daily-sun. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  9. ↑ "Bangladesh RAB bets on OIVS technology to speed up criminal investigation – Tech Observer". Tech Observer. 2021-06-26. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  10. ↑ অনসাইট আইডেন্টিফিকেশন এন্ড ভেরিফিকেশন সিস্টেম (ওআইভিএস) এর শুভ উদ্বোধন (rab.gov.bd)
  11. ↑ "সংসদ নির্বাচনে ওআইভিএস ব্যবহার | Bhorer Kagoj | ভোরের কাগজ". Bhorer Kagoj. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  12. ↑ Election 2024: 700 RAB personnel deployed across Bangladesh (dhakatribune.com)
  13. ↑ প্রতিবেদক, জ্যেষ্ঠ. "ভোটের মাঠে র‌্যাবের হাতে ওআইভিএস". bdnews24 (in Bengali). Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  14. ↑ "অপরাধী শনাক্তে র‍্যাবের প্রযুক্তি ওআইভিএস যেভাবে কাজ করবে". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  15. 1 2 OIVS User Guide (alabama.gov)
  16. ↑ "OIVS – The Center for Advanced Public Safety | The University of Alabama". Retrieved 2024-01-06.
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