Biometrics Testing in the Mona Pass 

CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina Rolka 

International Biometrics Performance Conf.| 3 March 2010 
Agenda 

• Overview of Coast Guard Operations 

– Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations (AMIO) 

• Lessons Learned from Operations 

– BASS Deployment Observations 

• Operational 

• Environmental 

• Technical 

– 10 Print Feasibility Study 

• Summary 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

1 
Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

2 
Biometric Program History 

2006 2007 2008 2009 

•Program started at 

Sector San Juan as 

Mona Passage Proofof-Concept 

•Subset of US-VISIT 

database loaded to hard 

drives 

•2-print collection 

L-1 RDT-3 

•Introduced UscgDesk 

•Biometrics 

transmitted over 

satellite comms 

•Deployed a second 

collection device with 

crews of Sector San 

Juan 

Datastrip DSVII 

•Expanded the proofof-concept to Florida 

•Started training 87’ 

cutters 

•Deployed a third 

collection device with 

crews of Sector San 

Juan 

MaxID 

IDLS3 

•Encouraged interagency cooperation 

with respect to data 

sharing 

•Initiated research on 

feasibility of 10-print 

vs. 2-print captures 

•Developing a multidigit handheld RFI to 

be published by the end 

of CY09 

•Recapitalizing South 

Florida equipment 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

3 
Biometrics At Sea System Process Cycle 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & 3/26/10 13:54

Christina Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

4 
Biometrics Metrics 

Data as of 10 January 2010 for Sector San Juan: 

Number Metric % of total possible Encountered 

Biometrics 99% of persons 2622 Collected encountered 

Database 656 25% of records collected Matches 

45% of matches Prosecutions 295 11% of biometrics collected 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

5 
BASS Deployment Observations 

Operational Considerations 

– Weight (Handheld Operations) 

– One-Handed Operation 

– Grip/Device Design 

– Cleaning Requirements 

– System Size (Including Storage) 

– Ease of use (Operator and Subject) 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

6 
BASS Deployment Observations (cont’d) 

Technical Considerations 

– Algorithms/Quality Scores 

– System Indicators (Visual and Audio) 

– Battery Life 

– System Displays (Color/Text Design) 

– Power Surge Protection 

– Intrinsically Safe 

– Design of Sensor (Color/Size) 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

7 
BASS Deployment Observations (cont’d) 

Environmental Considerations 

– Extreme Temperatures/Temperature Transition 

– Environment Movement/Vibration 

– Glare (Sunlight Exposure) 

– Nighttime Operation 

– Water Resistance (Spray) 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

8 
10-Print Feasibility Demonstration 

What is the feasibility of capturing quality 10-print records at

sea and submitting the records to IDENT over standard 

Coast Guard communication systems? 

Study Plan: 

– Developed a 10-print demonstration capture system 

– Integrated COTS equipment with USCG developed software; KVH

TracPhone7 satellite communications 

– Lab, Pier-side, and Underway testing 

– Tested multiple print slap and rolled capture of fingerprint biometrics 

– Assessed best practices to be used while onboard the cutter 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

9 
10-Print Feasibility General Results 

Environment Matters 

– Direct sunlight completely prevented the optical scanner from capturing

fingerprints 

– Fingerprint quality scores were degraded in the field and worse when 

scored at US-VISIT 

– Glare from direct sunlight entirely 

obscured the laptop’s display image 

– Internal and external humidity resulted in

fuzzy, lower quality fingerprint images 

– Finger alignment was critical for quality 

prints and successful software operation 

• Difficult due to sunlight and cutter 

movement 

– Cutter engine noise completely masked audible displays 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Biometrics at Sea System: Status Update and Future Plans | CG-926RDC | 3/26/10 13:54 

Dr. Thomas Amerson | Biometrics for National Security and Defense| 17 March 2010 

10 
10-Print Feasibility General Results 

(cont.) 

Design Matters 

– System Size: A stand-alone laptop is cumbersome on deck; a smaller

form factor for capture is better 

– Storage Case Size: Smaller cases are easier to store on 87- and 110-foot 

cutters 

– Cables: System cables may become disconnected, severed, or lost 

during operations; standard connectors are a must 

– Camera Flash: Camera flash can temporarily blind the subject, creating

unsafe operations; lighting alternatives should be considered 

– Cleaning Procedures: Cleaning procedures disrupt biometrics capture; 

fingerprint sensor should be designed for easy cleaning 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

11 
Summary 

• The Coast Guard biometrics program has been a success 

since its maiden deployment in 2006. 

• Multiple factors need to be considered when evaluating 

equipment to function in this environment. 

– Equipment that functions successfully in a controlled 

environment may encounter challenges in the field. 

– Testing in the operational environment is critical to identify 

any un-foreseen challenges prior to deployment. 

• Systems need to be designed with operational, 

environmental, and technical considerations. 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & Christina 3/26/10 13:54 

Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

12 
Contact Information 

Dr. Thomas Amerson 

Coast Guard Research and Development Center 

860-271-2894 

Thomas.L.Amerson@uscg.mil 

Ms. Christina Rolka 

SAIC 

703-676-051 

Christina.L.Rolka@saic.com 

Unclassified | Coast Guard Testing in the Mona Pass| CG-926RDC | Dr. Thomas Amerson & 3/26/10 13:54

Christina Rolka (SAIC) | International Biometrics Performance Conf. | 3March 2010 

13