we monitor new activities in the biometrics industry that could be of interest to the latent print community.  A lot of biometric development occurs which is of no direct relation to crime laboratories or latent print examiners.  For example, although we may be affected by smart cards, access control, or identity verification, these concepts usually don't affect us professionally in our day to day duties in the forensic world.  However, there are some concepts that do overlap, and it is keeping abreast of these relevant technological applications of biometric technologies that could offer valuable insights to our community.

_________________________________________
Biometrics Update
Excerpts of interest to our audience,
by Editor, David Mintie
Biometric Watch,
a monthly newsletter from biometricwatch.com;
http://www.biometricwatch.com/BW_35_November_2006/BW_35.htm
(http://www.biometricwatch.com/BW_35_November_2006/BW_35.htm)
 

Fingerprint Recognition
100% Web-based Fingerprint System

Montello, WI  -  Fahlgreen Solutions LLC has created a 100% web-based fingerprint system for processing both civil applicant and criminal fingerprint transactions called emaChecks – entirely mobile Background Checks.  The company indicates the system is in production in WI and certified by the state as FBI compliant. The system is web-based, mobile and can be used wherever an internet connection is available. No special wiring or connections are required.

emaChecks brings instant results of criminal background checks to the employer or agency based on a positive identification of the individual. No more waiting for weeks to learn whether your employee or applicant has a criminal record. Searches are conducted against the state and/or federal repository depending on the type of search. The criminal version of this system is such that small law enforcement agencies can use it in their booking offices as well as court houses.

emaChecks© is fully mobile using i3’s digID L fingerprint scanner.  Weighing less then 5 pounds, this high-quality Live Scan  is small, compact & requires no external power source.  The InVIZE ID software provides fully automated fingerprint capture & requires no external mouse or foot pedal to operate.  Prints can be captured in 2 minutes or less.

High-quality prints and demographic edit checks ensure your submissions are not rejected. Automated sequence & image quality checks tell you when you have to improve capture of a single print before submission. All the components fit nicely & neatly into an airport tote bag to wheel your unit from site to site.  All you need is a high-speed Internet connection to send prints. (Photo - Fahlgreen Solutions)

http://www.fahlgreensolutions.com

New Radio Frequency (RF) Fingerprint Reader

Salt Lake City, UT - silex technology america, Inc. announced the addition of the S2 fingerprint reader to its growing line of biometric products. The S2 uses Radio Frequency (RF) technology to read the inner layer of a fingerprint, allowing the sensor to more accurately capture minutiae data points.

Ideal for the government, healthcare and financial markets, the S2 is a pocket-sized fingerprint biometrics device that gives organizations peace of mind by providing a reliable and accurate biometric security device that ensures organizations' confidential documents are secure. Attached to a lanyard, a user such can move around an organization and use the S2 to authenticate and view files and sensitive information on the network. When finished, the user disconnects the S2 from the computer, which automatically logs that person off the network and secures the files.

The S2 addresses the needs of durability, reliability and portability. While most fingerprint readers contain a silicon dye that can be damaged through excessive contact and moisture from users' fingerprints, the S2's sensor is located beneath the device's surface away from the direct contact of wet fingerprints and other potential hazards. Additionally, the S2 uses radio frequency technology that scans beneath the surface of the skin to get a more accurate reading of the fingerprint. The compact size of the S2 is designed for portability. Users can carry the product in their pocket or on a lanyard, and by plugging it into the computer using a USB cable, can access files on the network.

The S2 is a pocket-sized RF fingerprint reader and UIM (SIM) card that easily connects directly to the USB port of a computer, providing personal ID access control of PCs and networks at hospitals, municipal facilities, and other areas. It is designed to increase security, eliminate resistance to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and replace passwords with a fingerprint, and will only allow the authorized user's fingerprint to unlock files. (Photo - silex technology america)

http://www.silexamerica.com

National Biometric Security Project (NBSP) Announces Availability of Latest Summary of Published and Emerging Biometric Standards

Washington, DC - Numerous national and civilian security applications will see improvement in functionality as a result of newly published biometric standards.  Watchlist applications, such as border control and U.S. Visit will be made more robust as a result of standards that facilitate the enrollment and analysis of facial images with equipment from multiple vendors.   New application profile standards explain how existing biometric standards can be applied to point of sale, access control, and Dept. of Defense applications.  Additionally a new operational testing standard augments previously published standards for scenario and technology testing.

These and many more newly published biometric standards are included in NBSP’s latest review of biometric standards activity, “Summary of Published and Emerging Biometric Standards.”  Progress in biometrics standardization since the last report, issued in February of 2006, has been significant with thirteen new standards published bringing the total number of published standards to forty-four (44).  Additionally, well over 50 developing standards (including multi-part standards) are included in the summary of Emerging Standards.

Chairman and CEO John Siedlarz describes NBSP standards support thusly: “We are not a standards body. However, since 2003 a significant portion of NBSP personnel and financial resources has been allocated to help U.S. and international standards organizations such as NIST and the ILO develop standards in an accelerated and more systematic manner.  In the past three years the number of published standards has grown from 10 to 44.  We believe that the support we have provided to standards organizations has contributed to this growth.”

NBSP is a not-for-profit biometrics test, training, research and analysis organization focused on improving the security of the U.S. civil infrastructure by enhancing identity assurance. NBSP client services include technology, scenario and operational testing, training, standards development and data services. Established as a non-profit agency to assure its objectivity and user-oriented approach, NBSP services are available to government agencies at the federal, state, and local level and private sector agencies responsible for maintaining key components of the national infrastructure.   

To view the most recent Standards Status Spreadsheet please visit: www.nationalbiometric.org Click TRCD Overview, Research and support Services, Standards Support to find the Standards Status Spreadsheet.

Miami Dade Police Get Enhanced Biometric Identification Tools

Anaheim, CA - Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) announced the successful completion of a two-phase process for the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) to upgrade its automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) to the latest-generation Motorola Printrak Biometric Identification Solution (BIS). The new system offers increased storage capacity, increased descriptor data for each record, and more efficient tools to assist the MDPD in their efforts to make city streets safer.

The two-phase upgrade provided MDPD with Motorola's latest biometric technology advances, including improved search accuracy. According to Glen Calhoun, superintendent of the Identification Section, these accuracy improvements have made a real difference at MDPD. "After we installed our most recent upgrade," Calhoun noted, "we noticed a 30 percent increase in reverse search 'hits' on our system." In an AFIS system, reverse searches are executed by comparing an arrested subject's prints against a database of unsolved crime scene (latent) prints, to see if the arrested individual may be responsible for other unsolved crimes. Calhoun continued: "After seeing these reverse search improvements, we re-entered 25 old cases, and were able to solve seven homicides by using the new system."

Motorola's modular system architecture and advanced implementation process improved MDPD's system over time while minimizing the effects on Miami-Dade County resources. "Rather than upgrade the system all at once, we chose to purchase palmprint capabilities first, then upgrade our fingerprint capabilities later," stated Glen Calhoun. "Motorola Credit Corporation assisted us with the second phase of the upgrade. Motorola's ability to work within our budget has given us the flexibility to provide greater services to the citizens of Miami-Dade County."

MDPD's Motorola Printrak BIS is now capable of storing both fingerprint and palmprint data. The new system also has interfaces to cities within Miami-Dade County, as well as to the state system at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). All fingerprint data was efficiently transferred, via digital format, from MDPD's previous system to the new Motorola Printrak BIS.

Installation of the new system was performed with minimal disruption to crime-solving efforts at MDPD. "The cutover from the old fingerprint system to the new system was completed in less than two hours," explained Calhoun.

http://www.motorola.com

Living Software Introduces Secure E-Mail Solution

Wall, NJ & Richmond WI - BIO- key International, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: BKYI) , and Living Software, announced the immediate availability of SafeLive(TM), a software product that secures e-mail with fingerprint biometrics.

Through the software's simple and intuitive interface, the e-mail sender 'signs' and encrypts the message being sent by scanning his finger. When the message is delivered, it can only be decrypted and opened by the designated recipient(s) with their fingerprint(s), to assure the identity of both the sender and receiver. At the core of the SafeLive solution, is BIO-key's biometric software platform, Vector Segment Technology(TM) (VST). When combined with Living Software's SafeLive solution, VST brings the power and security of biometric technology to the everyday task of sending and receiving e-mails. The product interfaces seamlessly with Microsoft Outlook or can be used with a variety of e-mail products, including web-based systems. SafeLive is easy to deploy given that no additional infrastructure, such as changes to e-mail server software, is required.

http://www.bio-key.com/

http://www.safelive.com/