The Next Generation Identification is the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, a large-scale biometric identification platform primarily used by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in the United States.
Built and maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), NGI is the successor to the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). It expands upon traditional fingerprint identification by incorporating multiple biometric modalities.
Understanding the NGI System
The NGI system is a comprehensive database and identification service that provides advanced capabilities for identifying individuals. While it's most famously known for fingerprints, it integrates other types of biometric data.
One specific component highlighted by resources like the reference is the NGI Iris Service. As the reference states:
The NGI Iris Service, provides a fast, accurate, and contactless biometric identification option for law enforcement and criminal justice users. The NGI Iris Service uses an iris image repository within the NGI system.
This service demonstrates how NGI leverages different biometrics for identification purposes.
Key Components and Capabilities (Based on NGI System Information)
While the provided reference specifically mentions the Iris Service, the broader NGI system typically includes capabilities related to:
- Fingerprints: Still a core component, utilizing advanced matching algorithms.
- Palm Prints: Another form of friction ridge analysis.
- Iris Recognition: Matching patterns in the iris of the eye, as described by the reference.
- Facial Recognition: Comparing facial images for identification.
- Rap Back Service: Provides notifications to authorized agencies when an individual's criminal history changes.
How NGI is Used
NGI's primary function is to assist law enforcement and criminal justice professionals in identifying individuals quickly and accurately. This is crucial for:
- Solving Crimes: Identifying suspects or unknown individuals through biometric evidence found at crime scenes.
- Background Checks: Facilitating checks for employment, licensing, or security clearances.
- Border Security: Assisting in identifying individuals entering or leaving the country.
- Missing Persons Cases: Helping to identify individuals who are missing or deceased.
Benefits of the NGI System
The evolution to the NGI system, incorporating multiple biometrics and advanced technology, offers several advantages:
- Improved Accuracy: Utilizing multiple biometric types reduces errors and increases the likelihood of positive identification.
- Increased Speed: Faster search and match times compared to older systems.
- Enhanced Capabilities: The inclusion of modalities like iris and facial recognition provides new avenues for identification where fingerprints may not be available.
- Broader Scope: Integrates various databases and information sources to provide a more complete picture.
Summary Table: NGI Key Aspects
| Feature | Description | Example Service (from Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Biometric identification for law enforcement/criminal justice. | NGI Iris Service |
| Biometrics | Integrates multiple types (fingerprints, iris, facial, etc.). | Iris |
| Users | Law enforcement, criminal justice agencies. | Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice |
| Benefit | Fast, accurate, and contactless identification options (per Iris Service). | Fast, Accurate, Contactless |
In essence, the Next Generation Identification (NGI) is the leading biometric identification system used by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, representing a significant advancement over previous fingerprint-only systems.
