The Enquirer - New mug shot system IDs prisoners

New mug shot system IDs prisoners
Database uses facial recognition
BY QUAN TRUONG | QTRUONG@ENQUIRER.COM

Hamilton County deputies say some inmates have called it "voodoo."

Most of the time, the latest addition at the Hamilton County Justice Center can identify incoming prisoners - even if they clench their fists to avoid fingerprints, lie about who they are or if they are unable to speak English.

There's no witchcraft here, officials say, just a $400,000 upgrade in the department's mug-shot system.
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"It's like going from a Volkswagen to a Ferrari," said Keith McGuire, supervisor of the Hamilton County Sheriff Department's identification section.

All it takes is a digital camera. Records officials scan an inmate photograph into a computer and a few mouse clicks later, possible matches from the county's database emerge.

The Viisage facial recognition system uses biometric measurements to find matches, meaning a grid on the face measures the distance between the eyes, width of the nose and length of the jawline.

Story continues.
The Enquirer - New mug shot system IDs prisoners