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As technology continues to reshape nearly every sector of society, it is also transforming police work in the 21st century. Law enforcement leaders can now count on an arsenal of high-tech systems and tools that are designed to enhance public safety, catch criminals and save lives. One of their options is the use of biometrics. Police have been using fingerprints to identify people for over a century. Now, in addition to facial recognition and DNA, there is an ever-expanding array of biometric characteristics being utilized by law enforcement and the intelligence community. These include voice recognition, palmprints, wrist veins, iris recognition, and even heartbeats. With comprehensive electronic databases now in place to more effectively use DNA and other biometric data, even the use of fingerprints to identify suspects has gone high-tech. For example, a CNBC report explains how police in London can now use a mobile INK (Identity Not Known) biometrics device to scan a suspect's fingerprints and in many cases reveal their identity within 60 seconds. In a nutshell, police officers maintain law and order, protect the general public, investigate crimes and prevent criminal activity from happening. If you become a police officer, your career will be all about crime prevention, prosecution and punishment. Policing is such a varied career path that you could find yourself doing all kinds of activities. You might be responsible for preventing heinous crimes and stopping dangerous criminal groups, such as organised crime syndicates. Alternatively, you might be working to diminish anti-social behaviour, or you might be taking part in counter-terrorism activities. Moreover, you might be responsible for investigating crimes against people and their property, or maintaining public peace and order at large events, public gatherings and protests. At all times, police officers must make sure their actions comply with current legislation. Consequently, police officers must keep up to date with the latest developments in crime detection and prevention.
The adverb Alternatively (in the second sentence of the third paragraph) means a different option than the one expressed in the previous sentence.