Mobile Biometric Fingerprinting Scanners
Police Use New Fingerprint Technology for Forensic Identification
Nov 8, 2009
Mobile biometric fingerprinting devices are being used more frequently for forensic identification. According to the Washington Post, the scanners are based on military technology which is now available for more widespread use.
Biometric Fingerprint Devices
Biometric fingerprint scanners are in use in various industries for security and identification purposes. Some companies use them as door keypads to restrict access to various parts of a building. Fingerprint identification may be used to sign into a computer or other restricted device. Home scanners are also readily available on the internet for anyone with a USB port who desires an extra level of security.
Forensic Identification with Mobile Fingerprint Scanners
Scanners have been in use in the United States and the UK since approximately 2006. The devices are the size of a Blackberry and work using cellular technology. They cost from $1000 or more each. Fingerprints from a single finger are scanned and nearly instantly matched against a database containing over a million prints for comparison. Often, a mugshot is also available to also aid in identification. Scanners can be used to:
- identify a suspect at a crime scene
- identify a homicide victim nearly instantly without having to wait for autopsy results
- identify victims of motor vehicle accidents
- identify suspects carrying false or no ID
Though it's not often being used, the fingerprint devices can be upgraded to include iris scanning. The FBI is also looking into adding facial recognition software to their biometric scanners.
Privacy Issues with Mobile Fingerprint Scanning
Some groups are concerned with possible violation of civil rights with the use of the mobile devices. The question involves what to do with fingerprint scans that do not have hits in the police database. Will these fingerprints be stored for later use or deleted? Police say anyone can decline collection of biometric evidence such as fingerprint scans as long as they are not under arrest. Thus far, most have agreed, apparently due to interest in the new technology.
Further Technological Advances in Biometrics
The FBI Biometric Center of Excellence is pursuing several different types of biometric technology for future applications. Ideally, the mobile fingerprint databases can be linked into the current Integrated Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) for a centralized, international repository of fingerprint data that can be used by police agencies all over the world. Electronic standards are being developed to aid in fingerprint recognition software.
The FBI is also developing methods of identification using iris, retina, facial and voice recognition software. These areas may also be added to mobile scanning devices in the future.
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