BI² Technologies’ Inmate Recognition and Identification System (IRIS™) was developed in 2006 in collaboration with the nation’s Sheriffs, exclusively for use in jails and correctional facilities, to accurately identify individuals using the most anatomically unique biometric visible on the human body, the iris.

IRIS™ is not a surveillance technology, it is a hygienic and non-intrusive biometric identification solution that is only used with the individual’s knowledge. Sheriffs’ offices retain full ownership and control of their data, and IRIS™ is deployed solely to support secure, lawful identification.

Sheriff’s Offices and correctional facilities have been utilizing iris biometric recognition technology for essential responsibilities, such as:

• Arrest
• Inmate Intake and Booking
• Inmate Release
• Authentication of an Individual

At the root of iris recognition’s accuracy is the data-richness of the iris itself. The I.R.I.S.™ system captures over 265 points of unique characteristics in formulating its algorithmic template.

What Sheriffs Are Saying About IRIS

“Accurate and timely identification of offenders is a fundamental and critical responsibility of every Sheriff in the nation.  This National Sheriffs’ Association endorsed I.R.I.S.™ system is based on the most accurate biometric technology available – the human iris – enabling jail staff to positively identify a previously enrolled individual in seconds, regardless of when and where they were originally arrested and enrolled in the national I.R.I.S.™ repository.  This is a true breakthrough when compared to the hours it often takes to identify an offender using fingerprint technology.”
Sheriff Craig Webre. Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, Past President – National Sheriffs’ Association, 2007-2008

“Criminals often try to change their identities to avoid accurate identification and prosecution for crimes they have committed. This cutting-edge iris biometric technology is another tool in the arsenal of capabilities we have to protect our citizens.”
Sheriff (Retired) John Layton, Marion County, Indiana 

“With this iris scan, we get into the national registry, and we get the information back in about 20 seconds. More than just identifying the person, we want to make sure the person we book in is the same person with specific charges is the same person we’re releasing. No one leaves this facility, even if they go to court, without getting an iris scan.”
Deputy Inspector Aaron Dobson, Milwaukee County, WI Sheriff’s Department

“This technology is cheaper, quicker and more accurate than fingerprinting. If we get an immediate identification, we will not need to go to fingerprints for identification.”
Sheriff Richard Wiles, El Paso County, Texas

“Whether somebody is picked up in San Diego or Brownsville, with this technology, we are able to identify the individual under whatever name he wants to use at that time.”
Lawrence Guerra, Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition