The Swedish Police Authority has issued a competitive tender for mobile fingerprint readers with integrated passport reading capabilities, signaling a significant upgrade in the agency’s mobile identity verification tools. The open procurement, published under EU Directive 2014/24/EU, seeks to establish a framework agreement valued at 75 million SEK (approximately $6.8 million USD).
The contract is scheduled to begin on August 26, 2025, and will run through August 25, 2028. It covers the supply of handheld biometric devices capable of capturing fingerprint data and reading electronic travel documents, enabling on-the-spot identity checks in the field. The devices will be used by police across Sweden, with Stockholm identified as the main hub for distribution.
Scope and Strategic Objectives
According to the notice, this procurement aligns with strategic objectives including environmental impact reduction and the promotion of human rights due diligence in global supply chains. It also requires electronic submission of bids, which are due by June 5, 2025. The selected vendor will enter into an exclusive agreement with the Police Authority for the full term of the contract, as only one supplier will be awarded the framework.
Classified under CPV codes for fingerprint readers and biometric sensors, the contract’s scope emphasizes security-related applications. The devices are expected to support frontline police operations, where rapid identity confirmation is increasingly important.
Rising Crime and Technology Investment
This procurement follows broader initiatives by the Swedish government to enhance law enforcement capabilities through advanced identity technologies. In recent months, the government has moved to legalize the use of facial recognition for policing, and has backed AI-powered surveillance proposals as part of its response to a growing wave of gang-related violence.
The tender reflects this context of heightened urgency. The government is actively expanding police access to biometric and digital ID systems in response to escalating criminal activity including its plans for facial recognition deployment.
Source: TED
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May 8, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim
