Biometrics and the Future
Why does the IAFIS work so well?
The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) is a state criminal history and fingerprint system managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Justice Information Services division (Meuwly, 2009). It offers computerized fingerprint abilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of responses and fingerprints 24/7(Department of Defense, 2015). The services offered by the IAFIS can be divided into three categories: records, tentative identification, and identification. The records service includes holding fingerprints and pictures of criminals, data about a person’s criminal history, and federal government employees. The tentative identification service includes providing identification to people using information such as date of birth, body markings, identification numbers, and names. The label provides the identification of people using fingerprint submission records. The submissions may be all ten fingerprints from one individual or prints left by accident that may be complete or partial.
One of the reasons why the IAFIS works so well is because it conserves the largest biometric database worldwide containing fingerprints and conforming criminal history data for more than 55 million individuals in the Criminal Master File. The criminal history and fingerprint information is provided willingly by local, federal, and state law enforcement bodies (Hamilton, 2007). The second reason is that the IAFIS supports hard copy and electronic fingerprint submissions. It also has a laboratory with improved search competencies using databases precisely planned for matching latent fingerprints. The third reason is that it contains an interstate identification index with automated criminal history record information. The index stores federal lawbreakers’ criminal history records and the offenders discovered by non-participating and participating index states. Each index record is generated by submitting fingerprint photos to the IAFIS. Participating states develop and bring up-to-date records within the index by submitting first and succeeding fingerprint photos of arrested individuals. After the documents are generated, the participating states give any requested information on criminal record history following an electronic investigation of records held by the state. Participating states in the final stage of the index only submit images on the first arrest on a subject and create a pointer record within the index section. Any succeeding activity involving the National Fingerprint File pointer record is the participating state’s National Fingerprint File’s sole responsibility (Meuwly, 2013). A request for criminal record history is sent to the participating state’s National Fingerprint File for a suitable response.
The fourth reason behind IAFIS’ good performance is proper imaging and documentation services. The IAFIS processes documents about criminal history as soon as they are received by hard copy, electronic input, or any data format that can be read using a machine. The documents include expungements, arrest temperaments, and other miscellaneous updates. It then supplies electronic images of the fingerprints to accredited agencies to respond to a request. The IAFIS also can store, accept, and distribute pictures of individuals with a criminal record without interference from local and state governments. The fifth reason is the availability of a remote latent and ten-print fingerprint search service. The remote latent and ten-print searches are submitted electronically and include a list of possible matching candidates and their conforming fingerprints for identification and comparison by the requesting agency (Department of Defense, 2015). The technology used by the IAFIS also helps it work well. The device used to collect biometrics data is called a live scan. It scans live fingerprints into the IAFIS database by placing flat impressions or rolling prints onto a glass platen above a camera. It also has other devices that capture images from crime scenes and live fingerprints. The fingerprint technician then scans the being studied and uses computer algorithms to mark all cores and deltas sensed on the print.
What measures must be in place for new and emerging biometrics databases to be effective?
One of the measures that must be implemented to increase the effectiveness of emerging and new biometrics databases is developing capabilities to test the performance of the algorithms. The powers should support large databases, including hard-copy data. The second measure is devising a framework to maximize data sharing to reduce time and cost burdens in data collection. Collecting data within the shortest time will create more time for data analysis, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the biometric databases. The third measure is facilitating the continuing development of datasets in a laboratory setting focused on unique characteristics and conditions., which are anticipated to be tested in emerging technologies, and establishing a program to maintain datasets. The fourth measure is developing a policy on the data retention period while considering the obsolescence of the devices used to capture data and developing policies on releasing data to other users.
Increasing the effectiveness of biometrics databases also requires proper monitoring of the data collection and analysis process. I would therefore recommend establishing an Institutional Review Board to address the legal issues involved with the storage, collection, and use of forensic and biometric data to be used in research. All parties involved in biometrics data collection and distribution must understand the issues and processes affecting the biometrics databases’ effectiveness and reach a shared consensus and interpretation. All stakeholders require general streamlining and guidance. The stakeholders include state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies, research and academic institutions, and corporations. Advice should focus on the implementation of policies known as Common Rule. It is also essential to consider the issue of data inconsistency because legal counsel from various organizations may offer inconsistent interpretations about the application of Common Rule to forensic and biometric data. The problem becomes a significant issue when data gathered by one organization is shared with another organization.
The effectiveness of biometrics data also relies on easier retrieval of the data collected. Therefore, enhancing and maintaining the forensic and biometric research database catalog would be necessary by developing and publishing catalog taxonomy. Publishing the taxonomy would encourage its adoption, revision, and use. Establishing a plan to maintain and enhance the database catalog is also essential. The program should be comprehensive and focus on keeping the record at all times to identify additional datasets for inclusion to update and review existing listings and include extra modalities. Another measure that can be taken is identifying and developing datasets for faster data release to the interested parties by identifying the types of subjects and data that could have expedited approvals and the processes used to collect data (Roebuck, 2011). The process could involve various steps. The first step is identifying the types of subjects, data, and data collection processes that could have advanced approvals. The second step is investigating whether state, federal, and local agencies already have datasets they would be interested in publicizing. The third step is determining the greatest needs for collecting new data and identifying the requirements that may take the longest to resolve. There is also a need to focus on data on unusual physical conditions that are hard to process using standard expectations for the modality, such as scars. The effectiveness of biometrics databases can also be enhanced through the coordination of data gap analysis because developing forensic and biometric datasets is expensive. The study should focus on identifying the main areas of research, development, and the acquisition of systems affected by lack of data. It is essential to locate long-range needs in recognizing emerging technologies and their applications and the time necessary for data collection.
Under the coordination of the NIJ and NIST, data collection should balance and prioritize broad-based needs against data collection costs. For instance, the lack of print datasets of latent palms is delaying the advancement of an entire modality. In contrast, the lack of datasets for a new device to acquire data might only interest a few researchers and vendors. A detailed strategic plan for research across the different modalities would be desirable but beyond most states’ scope (Roebuck, 2011). Research can play a vital role in identifying potential gaps in the existing biometrics data collection procedures and the most effective ways to deal with the holes to avoid limiting the effectiveness of the databases. It is also important to collaborate with all stakeholders in improving the databases to enhance their efficacy based on the assumption that stakeholders using the databases are better at identifying areas of improvement and implementing the measures needed for improvement.
References
Department of Defense. (2015). Electronic biometric transmission specification. CreateSpace.
Hamilton, J. (2007). FBI. ABDO.
Meuwly, D. (2009). Automated fingerprint identification system. Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470061589.fsa359
Meuwly, D. (2013). Friction ridge skin-automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS). Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470061589.fsa359.pub2
Roebuck, K. (2011). Biometrics: High-impact emerging technology – What you know: Definitions, adoptions, impact, benefits, maturity, vendors. Tebbo.
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Question 
For any biometric to be successfully used for identification or verification, the database and technology used to obtain and maintain comparison samples must be properly implemented and managed. The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Information System (IAFIS) maintained by the FBI is the world’s largest and most successful fingerprint database.
Biometrics and the Future
Respond to the following in your paper:
Why does the IAFIS work so well?
What measures must be in place for new and emerging biometrics databases to be effective?
Cite an example of an emerging biometrics database and its future potential.
Support your work with properly cited research and examples of the selected biometrics applied in the public and private sectors.