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Biometric Fingerprinting

James Elsdon-Baker made this Freedom of Information request to Alsop High School, Liverpool

The request was successful.

From: James Elsdon-Baker

18 November 2009

Dear Sir or Madam,

I would be grateful if you would please supply me with the
following information relating to the School’s Biometric
Fingerprinting System:

I. Costs related to the system (including installation, staff
training and any ongoing maintenance costs)

II. A copy of all correspondence relating to the procurement
process undertaken in obtaining the system

III. A copy of any staff or Governor meeting where the
implementation of the biometric fingerprint registration system has
been discussed.

IV. Details of the procedure and information provided to ensure
parental consent for use of the system.

Yours faithfully,

James Elsdon-Baker

Link to this

From: Administrator Account
Alsop High School, Liverpool

11 December 2009

Dear Mr Elsdon-Baker

In response to your request regarding the "School's Biometric Fingerprinting System", I would point out that this is a finger recognition system - it is not a fingerprint that could be used for purposes outside school use.

We were advised by catering consultants who went to tender using our best-value statements. Cunninghams were appointed as the provider, with the total cost being around £30,000. The system has helped greatly our school lunch routines, because it is a cashless system. This helps students, in that monies are not exchanged at tills and does not become an issue for students and the stigma of free school meals has been removed.

A full consultation exercise was undertaken through governors, staff and parents. A parents' evening was convened to explain the situation. Any objectors were allowed to use a pass system as an alternative. At present there are no objections lodged from parents or students and the system has benefited everyone from our catering staff to of course, our students.

Link to this

From: James Elsdon-Baker

11 December 2009

Dear Sir/Madam,

Many thanks for your reply. I'm aware how Biometric fingerprint
systems transform a print into an encoded algorithm. I'm also aware
that encoded algorithms can often be used across different due
systems to ICO standards. It’s also possible to reverse engineer
prints if they are not stored using strong encryption methods.

I’m concerned about the risks associated with exposing children to
routine use of technology, so that they normalize the behaviour
which I personally find intrusive and creepy, and also the wisdom
of spending public funds on what seems an excessive technology
solution.

Yours sincerely,

James Elsdon-Baker

Link to this

A Butcher left an annotation (12 December 2009)

I have also noticed this happening in a primary school and no parental consent was agreed.

I too find this "creepy" and wonder how £30,000 could be justified on making "it easier" for kids to get school meals?? Taking a finger print is taking a finger print and even if you are only storing an algorithm, everything in computers can be reverse engineered.

Please keep me informed of anything else you find out.