The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is stepping up its game with a new $1 billion project that seeks to help apprehend criminals using complicated biometrics measures rather than just run-of-the-mill fingerprints, as it always has.
The Next Generation Identification (NGI) program will use facial recognition, iris scanning, DNA analysis and voice identification technologies. Additionally, in the fingerprint sector of subject apprehension, now rolled and latent prints as well as palm prints will be included.
The base contract, which was awarded to Lockheed Martin, will consist of a base year of integrating new technologies and the potential for up to nine option years.
The NGI Program Office mission is to reduce terrorist and criminal activities by improving and expending biometric identification and criminal history information services through research, evaluation and implementation of advanced technologies. The goals of this program include: Public Safety and National Safety, Biometric Leadership, Efficiency Improvements, Privacy and Data Collection and a Smooth Transition.
The NGI Office is a joint venture between the FBI, CJIS Advisory Board and members of the Compact Council, which is comprised of local, state, federal and international representatives.
NGI Capabilities will include a number of measures. Among them: Quality Check Automation will allow officials to review fingerprint transactions automatically, deecreasing the time it takes to do so from 16 seconds to 7 seconds. Interstate Photo System (IPS) enhancements will allow officials to add photographs to arrest data and make photo retrieval easier for tattoos, scars and marks. Advanced Fingerprint Identification technology will enable faster fingerprint processing and increased search accuracy. Lastly, the FBI National Palm Print System will enable users to search palm print submissions from local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.