BEIJING, Nov. 6 -- Technology is playing a greater role in helping police solve cases, according to the Shanghai Police Technology Conference held yesterday.

The Shanghai Public Security Bureau said city investigators have solved an increasing number of cases in the past five years, rising 7.7 percent annually between 2002 and 2006. The number of suspects seized also increased by 15 percent each year, officials said.

One example of how computer technology helped solve a series of robberies at convenience stores was highlighted at yesterday's conference.

Putuo District police officer Zhao Xuefeng used a computer to analyze the personal information of more than 2,800 residents. He found 51 people who roughly matched the description of the suspect, finally focusing on drug addict Zhou Haiwei. The next month Zhou was captured and admitted the crimes.

"We are equipped with a world-class fingerprint recognition system and set up the first criminal DNA database in the country," said Yang Ye, a bureau official.

High technology has also cast a security net over the city. Inside the headquarters of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau is the biggest integrated LED screen in China, which watches more than 5,000 major venues, including roads, airports and bridges, around the clock. "Once an emergency takes place, patrol cars as well as police officers can reach the scene within minutes," Yang said.

One recent night, Songjiang District police were asked to locate a black sedan suspected of being involved in a kidnapping. About 20 minutes later, the control system found it and four suspects were captured.

(Source: Shanghai Daily)