Page 74 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

FINGERPRINTS ARE UNIQUE 59

Not satisfied with being just a citizen of the Conch Republic? How about
becoming an Ambassador? A Good Will Ambassador passport can be obtained
for just under $1000; the cost of an Ambassador’s passport is many times more.
A possible rationale for issuing these passports is to provide some degree of
levity. Holding a passport that states the holder is a “Citizen of the Conch
Republic,” however, is not the same as holding a U.S. passport. As an identifi-
cation document, it is worthless.

3.3 PHOTOGRAPHS
Names are not sufficient identifiers for long-term, absolute authentication.
Driver’s licenses and passports are more reliable, but both are subject to tam-
pering. Photographs, as used in photographic recognition devices or facial
recognition software, may appear to provide a more reliable method of deter-
mining or confirming identification.
However, photographs taken of the same individual may show changes over
time. For example, Figures 3.2 and 3.3 are both photographs of the author, the
first taken a few years ago (perhaps many years ago) and the second more
recent.
These two figures illustrate how a subject’s appearance in a photograph can
change over the years. The face may not be quite as taut in one image; the
hairline may have slightly receded. The subject may have different glasses, or
slightly graying hair in a later photograph. It is not necessary to wait decades
to note differences between two photographs of the same person. Beyond
changes in appearance, such as hair color, addition or removal of glasses, facial
hair, etc., there are other changes that can add to missed identifications. A

Figure 3.2
Early Photo