TEI, INC.

Software and information solutions, products, and services for Public Safety and Security.

"DMV Identity Verification Faulted" Los Angeles Times (09/28/01) P. 2-10;

Martin, Hugo A recent audit of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) revealed that the agency is not able to prevent someone from fraudulently obtaining identification in another person's name, whose fingerprints are already on file, because the department does not have technology to match computerized prints with those on file. According to DMV Director Steven Gourley, funding requests for the $7.7 million computerized fingerprint system were denied by the governor, but the DMV currently has two employees verify the Social Security number of applicants as well as match the photos of applicants to others in the department's records. The audit also said that the DMV does not offer proof that anti-fraud efforts are successful. Gourley responded that no way exists to measure how many criminals are deterred from applying for fake identification because they know their photos will be compared with those in the database. However, Gourley said he will continue to request funds for the biometrics technology, so fingerprints can be matched, especially in light of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. (www.latimes.com)

"Bill Would Get Police Online" Charleston Daily Mail (10/05/01) P. 1C;

Fischer, Karin Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) has introduced a measure that would provide rural police and sheriff's departments nationwide with money to purchase computer hardware, software, and Internet access. The new legislation would allow law enforcement officials throughout the country to share data, such as suspects' names, identifying characteristics, and modes of operation, as well as training information. Rockefeller's state would also benefit from the NET COP bill, as about half of West Virginia's 265 police and sheriff departments are without Internet access, according to state law enforcement officials. (www.dailymail.com)

"High-Tech to Keep an Eye on Terrorism; Facial Recognition Systems Are Among the Advances" San Antonio Express-News (09/26/01);

Bragg, Roy Law enforcement and worldwide security consultants claim the combination of biometrics, proper planning, security personnel, and time-honored security precautions can make Americans comfortable once more with day-to-day living. Employee and student identification cards may be replaced with finger or palm print scanners, while certain public places may soon be equipped with concealed cameras that possess facial recognition software. "It's biometrics, and it's good old-fashioned police work and security work," says former Israeli army Capt. Richard Horowitz. (www.hearstcorp.com/newspapers)

"Justice Department Awards More Than $2 Million to Improve Technology for Rural and Tribal Law Enforcement" U.S. Newswire (09/28/01)

The National Center for Rural Law Enforcement in Little Rock, Ark., will receive $2.2 million from the Department of Justice to increase law enforcement support for rural jurisdictions and Native American communities. The grants are split into two awards, one for $700,000 for the Strategic Information Technology Center, and $1,500,000 for the Inter-tribal Integrated Justice Pilot Program. The first award will provide continuation funds for the center, which allows information sharing via Internet and email to 1,500 nationwide rural law enforcement agencies; while the second grant will establish a technology infrastructure that permits information sharing between tribes and criminal system agencies. (www.usnewswire.com)

"Businesses Install New Security Measures to Help Prevent Terrorist Attacks" NewsFactor Network (09/24/01); Rose, Barbara

Whereas biometric security devices were largely used only in high security-areas in the past, and in a few airports and casinos, they will likely be the tool of the future, as companies turn to them in an effort to prevent terrorist attacks. Wis.-based Biocentric Solutions, whose thumbprint-identification technology was used by some firms to prevent unauthorized access to information stored on hand-held computers, has received twice the normal volume of calls since the Sept. 11 attacks, by companies desiring to know the identity of those entering their premises. About 150 software makers stand to benefit from the tragedies which struck New York City and Washington, D.C., offering programs that can convert one's unique physical traits into data, and then compare the data to a list of known criminals or terrorists. Another company, Visionics, whose facial-scanning technology is used in the streets of Tampa, Fla., and London, England, has seen a surge in interest recently. The Federal Aviation Administration and other government agencies asked the company's CEO to come to Washington, D.C., to discuss mass-deployment of their technology. (www.newsfactor.com/)

"High-Tech Security on Stage" Chicago Tribune (09/24/01) P. CN1; Rose, Barbara

Madison, Wis.-based Biocentric Solutions has had a run on its fingerprint identification technology in recent days, as the 150 firms in the biometrics sector have come to the forefront in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania. Industry observers predict more scanners, cameras, and smart card readers will be utilized at various places, especially airports. London's Heathrow Airport, for example, is scheduled to conduct initial tests of an iris detection system to help frequent fliers pass more quickly through customs, while Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in North Carolina launched a pilot program in May using Iridian's software that takes a digital snapshot of passenger or employee iris. Other biometrics firms working on new technologies include Visionics, Biocentric, and New Jersey-based Veritel, which makes voice-identification systems. Even though there are numerous technologies out there now being sought by the security and law enforcement community, some industry observers warn that those technologies are not a solution to terrorism. (www.chicagotribune.com)