Share a Photo, Catch a Criminal

• NCJ Number: 224530
• Date Published: October 2008
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2005-MU-CX-K077
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)

Annotation

This paper briefly describes the effectiveness of the International Justice and Public Safety Network which deploys a limited operational capability to allow States to exchange electronic department of motor vehicle (DMV) images solely for the purpose of positive identification.

Abstract

During 2007 and 2008, Nlets applied grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice in an effort to take the lead on a pilot project permitting the exchange of the DMV driver's license images. Phase I of the project went online in March 2008. Oregon and North Carolina became the first two States to exchange photos. The availability of a driver's license photo could prove useful by confirming whether an individual is who he or she claims to be, by revealing instances of possible identity theft, and by identifying a specific person sought in connection with a criminal activity. A major barrier to States not moving towards implementation of this information sharing capability is the political and policy ramifications surrounding sharing of photos. To assist in removing barriers, Nlets has drafted model policy documents and procedures. Each State has its own rules, issues, and laws; Nlets only offers a model.