The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is launching a new system, the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS version 5, starting Monday, July 20, 2026, to streamline the process of obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct).

• The new system is designed to capture multiple biometric traits, including facial recognition and potentially iris scans, in addition to fingerprints.
• This upgrade aims to replace the current fingerprint-only system (AFIS) for faster processing and improved accuracy through algorithmic cross-referencing.
• While offering convenience, the system raises privacy concerns due to the comprehensive nature of the biometric data collected and potential for data breaches or misuse.