Biometric data concerns have come to the forefront in Washington, D.C. as INTERPOL Washington, the U.S. National Central Bureau, participated in the Biometrics for Government & Law Enforcement International Conference on July 26, 2017. INTERPOL Washington Assistant Director Royce Walters addressed the session called, “Leveraging Voice, Face and Physical Behavioral Biometrics to Enhance Security Layers,” where he provided an overview of INTERPOL Washington, including its mission and participation in various information sharing initiatives.
Border points are critical locations for preserving national security, and INTERPOL has a number of tools to support these efforts, including INTERPOL’s database of Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD). Walters explained the origins of SLTD, which became operational in July of 2002, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. SLTD helps INTERPOL member countries secure their borders and protect their citizens from terrorists and other dangerous criminals who travel freely using stolen, lost, revoked, and forged travel documents.
The SLTD database is a searchable repository of visas and passports reported as lost or stolen. INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) and law enforcement agencies submit information about stolen and lost travel documents directly into the SLTD database via INTERPOL’s secure global police-to-police communications system, I-24/7. Law enforcement officials use the SLTD database to screen the passports of individuals who are travelling internationally in order to rapidly ascertain the status of the individual and passport in question.
Walters emphasized the important role that individual countries play in the success of the SLTD. The database is only as strong as the information entered and the consistency of its use. Walters also highlighted the importance of INTERPOL Washington in supporting national and global security efforts, serving as the national point of contact for all INTERPOL matters.
As a component of the U.S. government, INTERPOL Washington is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. INTERPOL Washington serves as the designated representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
In conclusion, the use of biometric data in national security efforts has raised concerns, but the role of INTERPOL Washington in supporting these efforts cannot be overstated. The SLTD database and other tools provided by INTERPOL have proven to be valuable assets in securing borders and protecting citizens.
Defendant: INTERPOL Washington, Role in Biometric Data Abuse, Washington 2017
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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