Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/189636
I.R.I.S. technology can only be used with the knowledge and cooperation of the offender, who has to intentionally look at the I.R.I.S. camera, eliminating any covert use of the system. Horton stated that from a judicial viewpoint, persons out in public areas can have no reasonable expectation of privacy with regard to their photo being taken. However, the close proximity of an iris scanning device to the subject's eyes requires the cooperation of said subject. "Capture of NIST-compliant iris images requires a fash of infra-red light coincident with the camera shutter action. While there are some "iris at a distance" capture mechanisms that can capture a NIST-compatible iris image from a distance of several feet away (used in border control eGates for example), most iris capture is done with a specialized iris camera at less than 12 inches from the face," Horton said. According to Hinman, the misuse of iris biometric technology is no different than that of fngerprinting with regards to reasonable suspicion in detaining an individual. "An offcer makes a determination of probable cause to print... I would expect the same if an offcer was to capture iris images. It's not the same as monitoring a CCTV camera running facial matching... iris isn't captured that way today." However, these concerns will only have relevance when the use of iris technology in law enforcement is more widespread. Mike Oehler, Mobile Product Manager for Cross Match, said that this is likely to change over time, but only when accommodations are made within the AFIS/ ABIS databases and submission fle formats to accept iris data. Grant Opportunities A number of criminal justice and law enforcement organizations provide funding for the implementation of advanced technological systems for more effective policing. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the National Sheriff's Association are just a few that offer grant opportunities at the national level. Police agencies can also take advantage of the many local, state, and county foundations that provide funding for technology enhancements and offcer training. In 2009, a grant from the U.S. Justice Department was used by the National Sheriff's Association to purchase multiple iris scan devices from BI2 Technologies. Approximately 45 agencies nationwide received the scanners for the identifcation and tracking of inmates. In addition to giving local law enforcement iris-scanning capabilities, BI2 Technologies maintains the only national, Web-based iris biometric network shared by participating agencies. BI2 has also worked with the National Sheriff's Association to implement a COPS grant that brings iris technology to hundreds of law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. The creation of a national data sharing repository allows rapid and accurate exchange of data to positively identify individuals already in custody. Earlier this year, a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) allowed the Chandler, Ariz. Police Department to purchase 36 mobile fngerprint scanners from MorphoTrak. The JAG Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions that support a broad range of program areas. Use of the handheld devices will allow offcers to identify or verify an individual's fngerprint and receive a response within 30 seconds. "Police departments fnd that the devices save them money by not having to transport people to the station and that they act as a force multiplier by keeping offcers on the street," Horton said. In 2011, a grant from the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Police Foundation was used to purchase Cross Match Mobil Rapid ID systems for the department's patrol division. While the city budget funds the majority of police operations, the Foundation, an independent non-proft organization, provides additional funding for innovative programs that would otherwise not be implemented. According to Police Chief Stephen J. Stepp, offcers in the feld now have instant access to critical information, which allows them to provide a higher level of service to the community. Susan Geoghegan is a freelance writer living in Naples, Fla. She can be reached at skgwriter@ comcast.net. LaO 1-800-234-6151 (U.S. and Canada only) 1-972-494-6151 Email: security@garrett.com Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #33 www.lawandordermag.com 77