The Point Group
The Child Project - Questions and Answers
What is the CHILD Project?
The Children's Identification and Location Database (CHILD) Project is a secure nationwide network and registry, utilizing iris recognition technology that will be available to law enforcement and social service agencies throughout the country. Through this network, the CHILD Project will compare the unique features contained in the iris against a database of individuals who enroll throughout the country to determine the identity of an individual. Complementing fingerprinting identification programs now in place, the CHILD Project will capture a digital photograph of the individual's iris, along with basic demographic information. Unlike existing fingerprint identification programs, the CHILD Project will create a national registry to give social service agencies, law enforcement, and other authorized users of the system, access to data that can positively identify children in seconds.
Why is a new national database needed?
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. Iris recognition technology will enhance the identification methods already in place by providing a quick and easy method of correctly and positively identifying an individual. As children grow, their physical appearance changes but their iris never changes.
What is Iris Recognition Technology?
Iris recognition biometric technology positively determines the identity of an individual by capturing a high resolution digital photograph of the individual's iris. The technology is based on the most mathematically unique biometric -- even between twins or an individual's right and left eyes -- the iris of the eye. The technology is non-intrusive - the individual does not need to touch anything to use the system. Unlike other biometric technologies, there are no lasers, strong lights or any kind of harmful beams. By simply looking into the camera, an image of the iris is captured and placed in the national database. The iris recognition equipment is portable and simple to use, making it ideal for use at remote locations such as fairs and special events.
Is the technology dangerous?
A video image is taken of an iris in a manner that is completely non-invasive and inherently safe - just like getting your picture taken with a digital camera. And, unlike other biometric technologies, there is no need to touch anything - thereby avoiding the possible spread of illness, i.e., SARS, colds, flu, etc.
What if someone doesn't want a picture taken of their iris?
Iris recognition technology is strictly voluntary. Participants agree to enroll, thereby eliminating privacy concerns. The user voluntarily decides to participate in iris recognition for authentication by looking at the camera. They also must be within a designated capture zone, which is approximately 3-10 inches away from the camera. The technology cannot work without the explicit cooperation of the end-user. To verify the identity of an enrolled person, all they need to do is look into a camera for a few seconds.
How accurate is iris recognition?
Iris recognition is proven to have the highest biometric accuracy, with no false matches in over two million cross-comparisons, according to Biometric Product Testing Final Report (19 March 2001, Center for Mathematics and Scientific Computing, National Physics Laboratory, U.K.). 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. Because of its accuracy, reliability and ease of use, iris recognition biometric technology is gaining popularity across the globe in areas such as public safety, aviation, education and health care.
Who will use the iris recognition database and when will it be running?
Roll out of the application is expected to begin in the spring of 2004. During the rollout phase the CHILD Project partners will be contacting social service and public safety agencies, such as county sheriffs and police departments, to gauge their interest in participating in the program. The CHILD Project will offer concerned agencies and organizations a low cost iris recognition system to use as part of their community outreach programs. The system will enable authorized users access to NMCO's database to both enroll individuals in the program and check them against the nationwide database. Participation is entirely voluntary, just as it is now with fingerprint and photo ID card programs.
Who will be in charge of the database?
The Nation's Missing Children Organization (NMCO) and The Point Group Companies, Inc. (TPG) have entered into a teaming agreement to create and maintain the database. The Nation's Missing Children Organization & Center for Missing Adults (NMCO) is a nonprofit agency headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, which provides nationwide assistance to law enforcement and families of missing persons. The group provides a variety of services including advocacy, search assistance, national distribution of information related to missing persons and various programs addressing child safety such as the child ID program.
The Point Group is a national technology consulting firm based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The company's mission is to develop innovative and effective biometric-based information technologies that significantly improve public safety. The managing principals of The Point Group combine their experience in public service in areas as diverse as corrections, courts, public safety, legislation and information technology. The Point Group team has been involved in the successful implementation of iris recognition biometric technology with public safety agencies throughout the country.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about the CHILD Project, please call:
Sean Mullin (The Point Group) 508-224-1600
Kym Pasqualini (NMCO) 602-944-1768.
The NMCO's website is at http://www.nmco.org.