Biometrics to Improve Public Safety and Security

A footprint in the mud is perhaps the simplest example of a biometric ‒ a distinctive pattern that can be related to human traits. Technological advances allow us to use biometrics to control access, such as an iris scan for opening a secured vault. Biometrics can also help identify suspects, as security camera video pointed to the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.

Biometric systems rely on standards for accurate measurement, transmission, comparison and verification of digital biometric data. NIST works with standards development organizations to ensure that biometric systems perform across jurisdictions and provide accurate results.