Pennsylvania Justice Network’s innovative statewide Facial Recognition System using Animetrics and partner DataWorks Plus’ investigative facial biometric technology; Animetrics’ ForensicaGPS advanced 3D facial recognition and forensic analysis tools helping PA police, sheriffs and forensic analysts ID images of witnesses and suspects from surveillance video and photos 

Conway, N.H. (August 7, 2012) - Animetrics, a leading developer of advanced 3D facial recognition and identity management solutions, announced today its selection with partner DataWorks Plus by the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) for an innovative facial biometric program with Pennsylvania police and sheriff departments. Animetrics’ ForensicaGPS investigative face identity application is part of JNET’s new Facial Recognition System (JFRS), helping law enforcement more accurately and quickly ID suspects and witnesses from video or photo surveillance.

JNET’s selection of Animetrics and DataWorks Plus marks the first deployment of ForensicaGPS in the U.S. law enforcement market. In Europe, the facial identification and forensic analysis application is being used by Zurich Forensic Police Department in Switzerland. In the Middle East, police departments in Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia are also deploying ForensicaGPS.

“JNET’s Facial Recognition System has already proven to be a powerful and highly effective investigative tool for Pennsylvania law enforcement since its deployment earlier this year,” said David Naisby, Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s JNET.  “Animetrics’ facial biometric technology provides critical capabilities within JFRS to identify suspects from surveillance video, enabling police to analyze, compare and ultimately resolve the identity of an individual from a facial image caught on camera. Before ForensicaGPS, most of the poor quality imagery from video of crime scenes was unusable. Now the JFRS is able to go back and reopen cold cases, gathering new evidence.”

In Pennsylvania, nearly 40,000 local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice professionals utilize JNET’s secure web site to access public safety and criminal justice information from local, state and federal data sources during investigations. Since the deployment of the JFRS system within JNET, more than 800 law enforcement professionals from more than 500 agencies have been or will be trained to use the web-based facial biometric JFRS system.

Animetrics’ ForensicaGPS translates low-resolution 2D facial images from photo or video surveillance evidence into a 3D image using Animetrics’ patented face recognition technology. ForensicaGPS’s unique facial creation and image quality enhancement tools convert photos and video frames of a person’s face into “ID ready” images including facial pose correction. This output makes it more feasible for the face matching system to process the uncontrolled face image utilizing the current JNET database of 3 million Pennsylvania Adult Arrest Mugshot Photos captures through Central Booking Stations located in each of the counties since 1998.

“JNET’s Facial Recognition System delivers new efficiencies to the criminal investigation process,” said Paul Schuepp, Animetrics president and chief executive officer. “We are pleased by the initial success of the project and look forward to working with the Pennsylvania law enforcement community to integrate facial biometric technology further into their crime fighting efforts.”

JNET earned a 21^st Century Achievement Award in June 2012 from IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program for the deployment of its Facial Recognition System and its effectiveness fighting crime. The prestigious prize recognizes organizations and individuals that employ Information Technology to benefit society.

ForensicaGPS analyzes and compares up to five images of a suspect, allowing for more accurate identity matching. It provides metric analysis of face similarity scoring, as well as 2D or 3D visualizations of facial structure, geometry and texture. The software’s precise comparisons include identifying features such as scars, moles and tattoos, along with distance measurements between facial features. Animetrics’ FACEngine technology^® is the algorithm engine powering all of the company’s products. This integrated technology renders accurate and useful 3D avatars from 2D images and video, even if the original facial image is distorted, obscured or not “straight on.”

About Animetrics
Headquartered in Conway, N.H., Animetrics is a leading developer of advanced face recognition applications and face identity management solutions, which are driving market acceptance of next generation facial biometrics in government, homeland security and law enforcement. Animetrics’ patented technology features FACEngine®, the advanced facial recognition engine behind all of Animetrics’ facial biometric solutions. FACEngine dynamically renders accurate and useful 3D avatars from 2D images and video, even if the facial images are not “static” or “straight on.” Animetrics’ technology also features FIMS™ Cloud, the first come-to-market, cloud-based web facial identity management solution for fast accurate search, retrieval, analysis and storage of facial images enabling the fast and precise facial recognition across a broad range of operating conditions and deployment environments. Animetrics products include face recognition and identity management applications called FaceR™ - FaceR MobileID, FaceR CredentialME and its FaceR Identity Management Solution; an investigative facial identity comparison application, ForensicaGPS™: and a face recognition SDK for application developers. For more information, visit Animetrics.com.

About DataWorks Plus

DataWorks Plus was formed in 2000 as a company with a mission to provide customers with top-of-the-line products, versatile applications and outstanding customer service. DataWorks Plus consists of a team of the most experienced executives, engineering, service and sales professionals in the business. Over 100 years of combined experience stands behind the products and services the firm offers to the law enforcement and criminal justice markets. The privately held company is headquartered in Greenvillle, S.C. DataWorks Plus has the flexibility and freedom to deliver and install applications quickly and efficiently. The company offers its customers the benefits of cutting-edge technology partners with attention to detail and customer satisfaction. DataWorks Plus can provide flexible solutions tailored to existing workflows and processes. This allows customers to smoothly transition from existing systems to new or additional technologies without compromising current investments. For more information, visit DataWorksPlus.com.

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John Gates/Katherine Bragg

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