Livingston County authorities have a new tool to positively identify suspects booked into their county jail. The sheriff’s office recently received a grant through the Missouri Sheriff’s Association for an Iris Scan system.

The device takes a photo of the person’s eye and uses 240 points in the eye to digitally create a profile. This information is placed in and compared to a data base and provides an instant response.

Sheriff Steve Cox says the technology is harmless, quick, and more accurate then finger prints. Iris Scans have been used by the military, various federal agencies including immigration, and other law enforcement agencies in the United States and foreign countries.

The Missouri Sheriffs Association has been a leader in working with the state and federal government for grants to provide the Iris Scan equipment and training to many Missouri Sheriffs. The Iris Scan equipment is valued at over $17,000.

Cox says his corrections officers will use the iris scanner when a new detainee is booked into jail as they are processed. They are also digitally finger printed through Live Scan system, and DNA is collected under some circumstances. All detainees being released from custody go through the Iris Scan prior to release. This information is kept in a centralized system which we are connected via the Internet.

Cox says his fellow sheriffs have reported discovering several citizens and/or illegal immigrants having provided false information upon arrest on who they really where. Once the Iris Scan was applied the agency immediately identified the problem.

He says the technology will be very helpful with enhancing community safety, and plans to share it with other law enforcement agencies as well.