http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2007/12/fbi_aims_for_worlds_largest_bi.phpFBI aims for world's largest biometrics database
REUTERS
Reuters North American News Service
Dec 21, 2007 23:49 EST
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The FBI is embarking on a $1 billion project to build the world's largest computer database of biometrics to give the U.S. government more ways to identify people at home and abroad, the Washington Post reported Friday.
The FBI, the main investigative arm of the Department of Justice, has already started compiling digital images of faces, fingerprints and palm patterns in its systems, the paper said.
In January, the agency -- which focuses on violations of federal law, espionage by foreigners and terrorist activities -- expects to award a 10-year contract to expand the amount and kinds of biometric information it receives, it said.
At an employer's request, the FBI will also retain the fingerprints of employees who have undergone criminal background checks, the paper said.
If successful, the system, called Next Generation Identification, will collect the biometric information in one place for identification and forensic purposes, the Post said. (Reporting by Rachelle Younglai; Editing by John O'Callaghan)
Source: Reuters North American News Service