Iris Biometrics & Inmate Identity Management

Here's a good case study of the types of considerations that factor in the decision making-process of whether, and what type of biometric solution to adopt.

Yavapai County Sheriff Deploys Iris Scanning Technology (Correctional News)

Iris recognition is arguably the most accurate form of biometrics in use today. One of the reasons is the sheer numbers of unique characteristics that are measurable within the irises far outnumber other biometrics such as in fingerprints. Additionally, the iris is naturally protected by the cornea and its patterns remain stable over a person’s lifetime, which is not the case with other physical data points such as ears, fingers, and face.

The use of iris scanning to meet critical identity authentication needs has steadily increased internationally in the private and public sectors. Applications include banking, building access control, aviation security, health care, schools and border-crossing. Iris scanning is also becoming a valuable tool in law enforcement and corrections.

In the Yavapai County jails, the technology will be used with both the detainee and sentenced populations.

h/t @HodgeBarry

Madison County Alabama Commission finds way to cut spending

Looking in to wasteful spending by Madison County employees (WAFF Huntsville, AL)

Every few weeks department heads and county commissioners receive a payroll log. All they have to do is scan through and see where all the overtime money is going.

"We've got people at some point shows they are working 14 hours a day for 14 days straight. Again I question that," said Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong.

Commissioner Strong has strong feelings about what he calls wasteful spending, but he isn't just complaining about it. He has a solution to the county's overtime problem.

Biometric identity management systems can help with state, county and local budgets constrained by current economic circumstances.

Because biometrics yield a positive return on investment, they provide a way for dedicated public servants like those mentioned in the article to do more with less.