Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/189636
FEATURE Biometrics: Mobile Iris Recognition compatible with the FBI NGI Iris database," said Robert Horton, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications for MorphoTrak. MorphoEyes enables the tracking of criminal suspects, and also acts as a complement to other police identifcation methods, such as fngerprints and mug shots. It has the ability to operate in both bright and dark conditions, and features an USB 2.0 interface with no external power source required. With its patented see-through design for iris location, MorphoEyes is easy to use and does not come into contact with the subject's forehead. Other features include white light presence to minimize pupil size, extremely fast acquisition, and robust IP54 iris analysis software. Founded in 1996, Cross Match Technologies, Inc. provides biometric identity management solutions for government and law enforcement agencies, as well as private enterprise. The CrossMatch SEEK II (Secure Electronic Enrollment Kit) is a multi-modal identifcation platform that combines forensic-quality fngerprint capture, facial-recognition capture technology, and rapid dual-iris scan capability. Built-in wireless networking capability allows offcers in the feld to access remote databases, such as ABIS, for thorough identifcation checks. SEEK II offers iris matching speed in excess of 500,000 matches per second, is fully operational in bright sunlight, and features 1.3 megapixel IR sensors. NIST Standards for Iris Biometrics Developing standards is crucial for building effective biometric systems that provide guidance for systems testing and ensure accurate performance system comparisons. They also encourage open exchange and interoperability of biometric data between agencies and disparate systems. Since 2012, lawmakers and federal agencies have been demanding that NIST deliver on its promise to fnalize a standard for iris images in federal identity cards. During a recent hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on government operations, committee chair Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said that NIST's inability to follow through severely compromises national security. On July 12, 2013, NIST released the latest update of Federal Information Processing Standards Publications Series (FIPS-201) by issuing its offcial Biometric Data Specifcations for Personal Identity Verifcation (PIV). Government-issued PIV smart cards provide federal employees and contractors access to government buildings and computer resources. The iris recognition recommendation explains how to load compact iris images on the PIV card for more effcient reading, provides performance specifcations for iris biometrics to assure high accuracy, as well as specifcations for iris cameras to guide implementers on camera selection. According to NIST, the standards-based elements support interoperability within and across agencies using iris recognition technology. Iris Scanning and Privacy Issues The increased use of iris recognition technology in law enforcement has some civil liberties advocates concerned that it may be used to violate the privacy of law-abiding citizens. While the Supreme Court has ruled that there must be "reasonable suspicion" to fngerprint an individual, no such ruling as yet exists for face or iris recognition technology. Agencies nationwide have begun building an iris database by scanning every suspect that goes through booking, as well as prison inmates. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) implemented such a program in 2010 throughout all fve boroughs to prevent suspects from disguising their identities. When the New York Civil Liberties Union raised concerns, the NYPD assured them that the images of the irises would be destroyed once a case is either dismissed or sealed. While BI2 Technologies commends and supports the vigilance of privacy advocates in protecting the constitutional rights afforded to all U.S. citizens, Mullin points to certain factors inherent in iris technology that actually uphold those rights. According to Mullin, the I.R.I.S. database maintained by BI2 Technologies only contains biometric and related criminal justice information on offenders, not private citizens. In addition, their iris biometric technology is simply a highresolution, specialized digital photograph of an offender's iris that can only be taken by authorized law enforcement after a person is booked. And because individuals do not leave a copy of their irises at a crime scene (unlike fngerprint and DNA), iris biometric data cannot be used against them as forensic evidence linking them to a location, weapon, or crime victim. Mullin also points out that the constitutional laws that were written over 200 years ago do not change simply because better technology has been developed. "The laws and judicial decisions have long since decided the issues related to when photographs of a person may be taken and how they may be used." Finally, their MorphoEyes is a dual iris capture solution and can easily be added to an existing LiveScan system. The Cross Match Secure Electronic Enrollment Kit (SEEK) is a multimodal device capturing fingerprints, iris images, and facial recognition. 76 LAW and ORDER I October 2013