BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY - RAPIDLY ARRESTING THE BACKLOG OF UNCLAIMED BODIES IN MORGUES

Faced with an overwhelming number of unclaimed bodies at its eleven Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) mortuaries, the Gauteng Department of Health has turned to biometric technology to accurately and rapidly identify the deceased to locate their families. Developed in partnership with FPS, the CSIR and local SMME Solar Biotech (Pty) Ltd., a novel laserbased fingerprint acquisition device can capture fingerprint images under the skin of a finger. This innovative technology addresses the challenges of compromised finger ridge patterns caused by decomposition or deformity.

By capturing data in this manner, the fingerprints can be searched digitally against existing reference sources such as the DHA Automated Biometric Identification System or the South African Police Services (SAPS) Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). This advancement eliminates the imperfect and timeconsuming traditional process of physically capturing prints in ink and managing paper-based data searches.

The laser-based fingerprint acquisition device revolutionises forensic identification by capturing sub-dermal ridge patterns, overcoming decomposition and deformity challenges and enabling rapid, dignified burials for families.

Biometrics is the measurement of unique human features and characteristics, which can be detected from fingerprints, palms, facial and voice traits or the iris. These features are then compared to data in a reference database, such as a civil or criminal biometric reference source or other official biometric identity-based collections. However, in the case of corpses, the capture and analysis of fingerprints can be compromised by varying degrees of decomposition, mummification, degradation or other skin problems that complicate acquisition. A laser-based system overcomes these challenges by detecting fingerprint ridge features sub-dermally, embedded inside the finger.

Digitalisation yields quality data and faster analysis

Digitising the process of capturing, querying and proving feedback accelerates the entire pipeline for accurately determining identity and enabling families to ensure a dignified burial. The prints are captured and packaged into digitised official forms used to verify identity with government institutions such as the Department of Home Affairs or the SAPS Local Criminal Records Centres and National Credit Bureaus. Previously, SAPS 91 (a) forms were used by facilities to query identity and physically couriered to data centres on certain days of the week. Now, the digital forms are submitted to AFIS instantaneously. The results from the AFIS search

can be returned to the querying agency within a short period of time.

The technology was first piloted at the Bronkhorstspruit FPS facility in 2018. After refinements, it has since been deployed in Pretoria, Ga-Rankuwa, Diepkloof, Johannesburg and Germiston. The pilot rollout received significant support from the Department of Public Service and Administration’s Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) and in 2021, it was awarded the first runner-up award for “Innovation in the Public Sector.” The CPSI has also been instrumental in extending the pilot to the Limpopo province.

FPS personnel attest to improved quality of acquired fingerprints, easing the load on resources and rapidly reducing stores of unclaimed bodies.

For over a decade, the CSIR has been developing home-grown identity management technologies with the support of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. This work has been particularly active in areas where unique challenges exist, such as the identification of minors and measuring features of fingerprints that may be worn due to manual labour or injury.