The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office has become one of the first in the U.S. to implement iris biometric identification technology, via the Inmate Identification and Recognition System (I.R.I.S.) within a patrol vehicle.
This deployment expands the department’s use of biometric technology beyond the county jail, providing deputies in the field with a powerful tool for fast and precise identity verification, according to Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti.
I.R.I.S., developed by BI2 Technologies, captures over 265 unique characteristics of an individual’s iris, delivering exceptional accuracy. Recognized as a reliable biometric tool, I.R.I.S. reduces the risk of misidentification — with the odds of two people sharing identical iris patterns estimated at 1 in 10 to the 78th power. Unlike fingerprinting, which can be impractical in the field due to time and equipment constraints, I.R.I.S. allows Deputies to confirm identities in real time from the patrol vehicle, quickly and non-invasively.
I.R.I.S. is implemented through a secure, encrypted, real-time national criminal justice sharing network, based on iris biometric technology, which enables law enforcement agencies to positively identify criminals in seconds.
“We are honored to support the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office in their commitment to public safety,” said Sean G. Mullin, president & CEO of BI2 Technologies. “The implementation of I.R.I.S. in patrol vehicles sets a new standard for law enforcement, providing a quick and non-intrusive method to verify identities, and strengthen community security.”
If a criminal suspect is without a license or other valid identification, I.R.I.S. enables deputies to confirm their identity in seconds. This immediate verification helps prevent criminals from evading accountability by claiming to be someone else, such as a close relative whom they may strongly resemble. Additionally, since many crimes result in charges with release on an appearance ticket, the I.R.I.S. can help ensure that the summons is issued to the correct individual, promoting accountability and reducing the chance of misidentification.
“Whether it’s within our Correctional Facility or in the field, the I.R.I.S. helps to ensure a greatly reduced chance of misidentification,” Filicetti said. “Now, a deputy, at a glance, will be able to see if a suspect is within the I.R.I.S. database, and may respond accordingly to any information that search reveals.
“Our commitment to public safety drives us to utilize technology like I.R.I.S., making Niagara County a leader in effective, high-tech policing.”