Mobile ID

August 27, 2020

The term “Mobile ID” can conjure up several different interpretations. In the strictest sense, it may consist of an un-tethered device used to capture one or more biometric samples from a subject. The captured data sample(s) may then be compared to other samples contained in a database resident on that device. The data may also be transmitted to and compared to samples in a central repository or an onboard computer repository located in a nearby vehicle. Such vehicles may include jurisdictional police cars, border patrol vehicles and military combat vehicles. This scenario allows for comparison to larger databases than otherwise available on a handheld device or in a nearby vehicle. Additionally, a device physically attached to a computer located in a vehicle that acquires biometric samples may also be considered as a Mobile ID device.

DPS Requirements

The Mobile ID device should adhere to national standards and be a Fingerprint Acquisition Profile (FAP) 30 device or greater. FAP comes from NIST Special Publication 500-280 (Mobile ID Best Practices). DPS’ Mobile ID system will only accept image based searches; minutia based searches will not be supported. To insure accuracy, DPS requires a minimum NFIQ (NIST fingerprint image quality) score of 7 in order to be processed.  If your agency is interested in submitting mobile ID submissions to the state, please provide DPS with the following:

  • Signed Mobile ID/RISC User Agreement
  • Copy of your agency’s appropriate use policy - An appropriate use policy should list in detail what the appropriate use (authorized and unauthorized) is for an officer utilizing a mobile ID device and the purpose of the mobile ID device.
  • Completed Mobile ID Authorization Form
  • Sample RPIS record
  • Be able to encrypt and decrypt using AES-256 encryption and connect through SFTP
  • Willing to share "success" stories associated with RISC hits

General Information

Mobile ID is a service that will provide rapid fingerprint identification for submissions from a mobile fingerprint acquisition device. Mobile ID accepts, processes, and responds to fingerprint identification requests that contain between 2 and 10 images of fingers. The recommended fingers for mobile ID searches are 2 and 7 (the index fingers). Local law enforcement is able to submit one transaction to DPS; DPS will copy the one submission and forward it to the FBI while at the same time search the DPS database. The local law enforcement will receive responses from both DPS and FBI.

Mobile ID searches through DPS’ system will have the ability to flag individuals of special interest and Mobile ID searches will access the entire Texas criminal history file. Searches for FBI’s RISC (Repository for Individuals of Special Concern) will only consist of fingerprint images for wanted persons, known/suspected terrorist and sexual offenders. The FBI criminal master file does not get searched. A submissions response from DPS will be less than 1 minute (outside of network transport time).

Responses

DPS and FBI will be processing submissions in a “lights out” fashion without human intervention. Responses will consist of a Red, Yellow, or Green response.

  • Red - A red response is a hit, indicating identification of a highly probable candidate. If available, red responses will be accompanied by a photo of the candidate. A red response should not be considered a positive identification, but rather the high likelihood of identification.
  • Yellow - A yellow response is an indeterminate response. It is a possible hit, indicating identification of a possible candidate (or candidates) which is below the level of confidence established for a highly probable match (red response). If available, yellow responses will be accompanied by a photo of the candidate (s). There can be up to two candidate hits within one yellow response. The yellow response should only be used as an investigative tool providing leads for further investigative inquiries.
  • Green A green response indicates no hit (i.e., the search did not locate a viable candidate).