NCJ Number
211018
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 64,66-68,70,71
Date Published
August 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes current methods for distinguishing between authentic and faked identification documents and for accurately identifying individuals authorized to enter secure areas.
Abstract
The science of biometrics--stored personal data such as fingerprints--is changing the way people are processed for identification, verification, or access to restricted areas. Currently, 12 States are in the process of implementing enhanced security measures on State-issued documents. These include reflective images on drivers' licenses as well as invisible digital watermarks detectable by a computer or police scanner, along with a "status check" for all immigrant drivers. Virginia will become the first State to incorporate a radio frequency identification device (RFID) into State licenses. Security experts recommend having 12 to 20 separate security features on a license in order to prevent an undetectable duplication. Security measures may be either overt or covert. Overt measures are visible to the naked eye, and covert forms of identification require a special detection device. Identification by means of biometrics involves the identification of persons via distinctive biological features. The combination of several identifying features is required to defeat fraudulent ID documents. This article describes a number of biometric means of identification. A separate section of the article addresses the use of RFID devices, which involves the use of miniature computer chips with identification information that can be rapidly read by a wireless device. Currently, these chips are embedded in the document surface of a "smart card." Overall, identification techniques are becoming faster and more reliable.