Work for Local Law Enforcement Completed by Lumidigm

The multispectral imaging biometrics company, Lumidigm Inc., delivered recently a report consisting of biometric performance study results from the testing of Lumidigm Venus fingerprint sensors to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department in New Mexico. This report was commissioned by the Sheriff's Department as part of its exploration of the use of biometrically-enabled technologies for drunk driving interdiction. As a grant to commission the Lumidigm report the Sheriff's Department received a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) technology.

To produce biometric fingerprint images, Lumidigm uses unique and patented multispectral analysis. Biometric data collection is not the only possible use of multispectral technology. Lumidigm sensors can potentially be configured to collect additional information, such as the presence of alcohol. Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White said: “The potential implications for law enforcement personnel as it relates to DWI enforcement is very encouraging”.

Matthew Ennis, Vice President of Business Development at Lumidigm said: “Within a couple of years there will be wide adoption of biometrically-enabled security and personalization devices in automobiles”. “We have an advantage in this marketplace because of the ability of our fingerprint sensors to work well in the same extreme conditions where automobiles are used.” Lumidigm believes biometrically-enabled alcohol sensing in vehicles would be sold as an option to fleet managers.

Sheriff White said: “With this study, Lumidigm has proven they can offer state-of-the-art technology which will enhance our ability to effect DWI arrests and strengthen the cases from a prosecution standpoint as well”. He continued, “We are following with interest the applications related to the handheld device Lumidigm is developing for the U.S. Army.” The 2008 Defense Appropriations Act includes $2M for the development of the handheld fingerprint reader, which will bring quick and secure identification and verification to the field. Lumidigm's handheld biometric device, expected to be available this summer, is highly anticipated among law enforcement agencies worldwide.