Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Deploys New Mobile Identification Solution

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), in Florida, has successfully deployed its new mobile identity solution. Through the use of this wireless application, Pinellas County deputies are now able to leverage the image capture, enrollment and search capabilities of the entire PCSO face recognition-enabled database from their patrol vehicles.

During the initial arrest process in the field, it is not uncommon for law enforcement officials to be confronted with individuals who lack proper identification, such as a drivers' license, or present alias information to avoid identification. With the new mobile application, PCSO deputies are now able to capture an individual's image with a digital camera, place the camera into a docking station in the patrol car and, through wireless communication to the PCSO's existing image database, conduct a face recognition search to determine if the individual has been previously arrested.

Through the use of this technology, which compares the new image against existing images to find matches, deputies will be able to know immediately if the individual they are questioning has an existing PCSO criminal record, including previous offenses. The database mining based on image alone removes the barriers formerly encountered when uncooperative individuals produced false or no identification. The PCSO will deploy this solution in 50 marked patrol cars.

"Our deputies require accurate and timely identity information in order to make split second decisions on how to handle suspects appropriately," said Lieutenant Jim Main, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, who directs the project. "Since implementing Viisage's new fused face recognition technology earlier this year, we have noted marked increases in the accuracy and speed of identifying and verifying arrestees. This deployment to our mobile units is a natural extension of this system and will allow our deputies in the field to benefit by gaining immediate access to the PCSO database for onsite identity verification."