The Point Group
The Child Project - Overview
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that on average, more than 2,000 children are reported missing every day across the nation. The problem of missing children is complex and multifaceted. There are different types of missing children including family abductions; endangered runaways; nonfamily abductions; and lost, injured, or otherwise missing children. This complex and serious problem requires innovative solutions.
There are over 30 agencies in the United States and Canada working together to provide victim assistance and education. These agencies are increasingly turning to technology to help them in their efforts. From fingerprinting to digital photographs to the creation of a national clearinghouse, more options are now available to assist in the location of missing children.
In an effort to further the likelihood of identifying and locating missing children, the Nation's Missing Children Organization (NMCO) and The Point Group companies, Inc. (TPG) have created the CHILD Project. The Children's Identification and Location Database is a nationwide network and registry, which utilizes iris recognition biometric technology provided and supported by TPG to identify missing children.
Iris recognition is based on the most mathematically unique biometric - the iris of the eye. The human iris is absolutely unique, even between twins or an individual's right and left eyes. The iris itself is stable throughout a person's life (approximately from the age of one). The physical characteristics of the iris do not change with age. Iris recognition biometric technology positively determines the identity of an individual by capturing a high resolution digital photograph of the individual's iris. The unique features contained in the iris are compared against a database and the identity of the individual determined. The technology is non-intrusive - the individual does not need to touch anything to use the system. Unlike Retina Scan, there are no lasers, strong lights or any kind of harmful beams.
The CHILD Project proposes to establish the national database by providing easy to use iris scanning cameras to law enforcement and social service agencies throughout the country. The units will have access to the main database at NMCO's headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona through a secure network to download and receive information.
Similar to fingerprinting programs now in place, the CHILD Project will include a digital image of the individual's iris, along with pertinent demographic information. The iris recognition equipment is portable and simple to use, making it ideal for use at remote locations such as fairs and special events.