Texas Department of Human Services Wins Award With SAGEM Morpho Biometric Technology
TACOMA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2003--SAGEM Morpho, Inc. a proven provider of mission-critical biometric systems and services is pleased to recognize the achievement of the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) and its nationally spotlighted biometrics application, the Lone Star Image System. Last week the department received a special recognition award presented by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) at its conference in Arizona.
The Texas Lone Star Image System (LSIS) is an automated system that obtains, transmits, and matches finger images of the right and left index fingers of DHS clients applying for food stamp and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits. DHS' Lone Star Technology Department contracts with SAGEM Morpho to obtain the technology and services necessary to operate LSIS, and the application has been operating statewide since August 1999.
The special recognition award, which is included among the 2003 Recognition Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology, is presented by NASCIO to a program considered to have made an important contribution to the operation of state government. The Texas system was chosen as the sole recipient of this award from among 128 entries submitted by 33 states. Ginny Booton, Director of the Lone Star Technology Department, said, "The Lone Star Image System is one of the earliest examples of the use of biometrics in civil applications, rather than in the area of law enforcement. LSIS was a pioneer project in this field, and we are delighted that it has received this special recognition from our colleagues in other states."
The purpose of the LSIS program is to increase public confidence in assistance programs, reduce fraud that stigmatizes those who participate in such programs, deter fraud, and prevent duplicate participation. Finger imaging policy currently applies to applicants and recipients of food stamps and TANF. LSIS prevents duplicate participation by comparing the electronic finger images that are on file in the LSIS database and detecting any finger imaging matches. Potential applicants for assistance are informed about finger imaging requirements prior to application. This helps deter people from attempting to receive duplicate benefits. Because of its potential for fraud prevention, this program benefits the agency by increasing the validity of food stamp and TANF cases. The LSIS program also has value to clients, as it protects them from another person fraudulently assuming their identity and receiving assistance in their name, and improves public perception of food stamp and TANF recipients.
"The Texas Department of Human Services deserves this recognition for their visionary use of biometrics," said Jean-Marc Suchier, president and CEO of SAGEM Morpho. "We are pleased to have been of service to the state. The civil system in Texas should serve as a model for other states and for the federal government."
State Senator Jim Weiers of Arizona added his own congratulations. "Arizona has benefited greatly from the Lone Star Image System run by our neighbors in Texas. After seeing the benefits of their program, Arizona implemented the system for our own citizens. Positive biometric identification has assured that those who need public assistance receive their services in an atmosphere of trust and dignity."
About SAGEM Morpho
SAGEM Morpho, a proven provider of mission-critical biometric solutions and services, develops, manufactures and integrates biometric technologies, products and services into government and business processes. SAGEM Morpho, headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, applies twenty years of global experience in biometric identification to deliver fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition solutions. SAGEM Morpho's solutions are in use by more than 35 government agencies including statewide systems for customers such as New York, Texas and Arizona. www.morpho.com