PITO to integrate facial biometrics into identification systems

PITO to integrate facial biometrics into identification systems

	Published : Sun, 23 Oct 2005 09:05 By : Phil Bateman Print this Story

LONDON - The Police IT Organization (PITO) has touted new plans to make use of biometrics more widespread over the next five years so as to be able to identify suspects more accurately as well as more rapidly.

Fred Preston, director of identification for PITO outlined these plans at the Biometrics 2005 conference in London. In an address at the conference Dr Preston said that the force intended to integrate facial biometrics into its identification systems on a more regular basis. Currently these identification systems operate solely on fingerprints evidence. "Our aim is to eventually be able to fuse results from different biometrics and different engines searching results," he said adding that the force was working towards the development of a Strategic Identification Services Platform (SISP). "Our experience in Europe has been a reluctance to supply data to other countries but far less reluctant to interoperate with other countries. My vision is cross-country searches rather than the sharing of databases," Preston stressed.

He said that Biometrics was a vital link to the business process as well in that it could relay the data related to buildings. PITO has built the National Biometric Identification Management System, known as Ident1. This tool involves searching for identity based on fingerprints and palm. Preston said that Ident1 could be deployed on other systems as well, but added that there were a lot of legislation issues to be overcome before that could happen. "PITO is focused upon continuing to utilize the IDENT1 platform in developing identification services for forces as part of the overarching drive towards integrated capabilities for the police service in the UK," Preston concluded.