Iris-scanning technology comes to Marion County Jail

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has introduced new technology they say will help identify arrestees quickly.

The office said iris-scanning technology is the most accurate way to identify suspected criminals.

“This cutting-edge iris technology is another tool in the arsenal of capabilities we have to protect all of our citizens,” Marion County Sheriff John Layton said.

“Criminals often try to change their identities to avoid accurate identification and prosecution for crimes they’ve committed across this country,” said Layton.

“The iris is the colored part around your pupil; scientifically it’s now acknowledged to be the single most unique characteristic on the body,” said Sean Mullin, co-founder of the Massachusetts-based BI2 Technologies.

The new system will be used in conjunction with fingerprinting. 

The cost of the program is about $15,000. The department is also working to install body scanners in the jail.