Prison uses eye scanner app, instead of fingerprinting

PLYMOUTH, MA (WBUR/CNN) – Eye scanners are replacing fingerprints to identify prisoners and show their criminal history.

At the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, an iris scan is used to track criminals, instead of a fingerprint. The iris scan has 235 specific identifying marks in each eye, proving to be quicker and more accurate.

"I'd hit the national database and if his eyes match up to anybody, it will pop up," said Lt. Doug Rideout.

What makes the system unique is the handheld device which can be used anywhere. Attached to a smart phone, it can instantly run ID checks, only after an officer determines probable cause.

"The biggest advantage they can quickly identify who they have in front of them, and what danger or risk they may pose, said Sean Mullins, president of Biometric Intelligent Company behind the iris scan.

Mullins says the eye-scan is uploaded and checked in the database against half-million people previously arrested and more than 300 sheriff's departments and correctional facilities around the country are using the new system.

Civil rights advocates worry the iris-scan could be used without probable cause, or in a place such as Arizona as a way to enforce disputed immigration policies. Mullins says that's unlikely, given how close you have to be to snap a photo.

Sheriff Joseph McDonald sees it as an extra safeguard, to ensure prisoners being released are not wanted elsewhere and to verify the person getting out.

"That photo is taken on the way in and matched up on the way out," McDonald said.

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