The Rapid ID system utilizes small fingerprint capture devices which allow officers to validate a subject's identity using a single fingerprint image from the subject and a Florida criminal history State Identification Number. Officers can also search for a subject's identity using two of the subject's fingerprint images and no other identifying information. The scanned prints are processed against FALCON, which rapidly returns a positive identification or a finding that no criminal record was identified for the individual. The system also returns warrants on file for the subject.
"Florida is the first to take this technology statewide and to utilize it in the probation and sex offender populations," said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. "This is an effective way to confirm an offender's identity on the spot, and the potential for applying this technology to other areas of the criminal justice system is tremendous."
McDonough said he is pleased to work with FDLE on this initiative to further promote public safety made possible through Governor Bush's ambitious legislative agenda. "The Rapid ID system gives FDLE and the Department of Corrections one more valuable tool to enhance the supervision and tracking of Florida convicted sexual offenders and predators," McDonough said. "As we continue working more closely together, we will strengthen public safety for all Floridians."
The Rapid ID system allows Florida to comply with the Jessica Lunsford Act, which was signed into law in 2005. The law requires biometric identification of supervised offenders who are required to check in with a probation officer and the creation and management of arrest notifications for supervised offenders. The system enables probation supervisors to enroll probationers on a "watch list" to provide automatic notification in the event a probationer is subsequently arrested. The Rapid ID system is also being used by Florida Sheriffs to provide biometric identification of sex offenders and predators at the time of re-registration.
Rapid ID fingerprint readers have been installed in all Florida Sheriff's Offices, and 154 probation offices. FDLE partnered with Crossmatch and Sagem Morpho to bring the technology to Florida.
