Sharing Biometric Data from Foreign Terrorist Fighters with National and International Databases

Submitted by: IACP Committee on Terrorism and IACP International Division

COT.001.t2017

WHEREAS, there is an unprecedented terrorist threat posed globally by the current volume of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) operating in conflict zones worldwide and by potential cross-conflict movements or returnee flows; and

WHEREAS, many of these FTFs use false names, and fake, falsified or stolen documents to travel; and

WHEREAS, biometric data such as fingerprints, pictures for facial recognition, iris, and, where legally possible, DNA profiles are the most reliable data to identify these FTFs, returning to their home countries or to other countries; and

WHEREAS, (1) national databases such as the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center's Terrorist Screening Database, and (2) international data sharing platforms such as Interpol (or other regional and sub-regional data sharing mechanisms) are established to enhance information sharing among national and international partners by enabling the collection and providing of information on known and suspected FTFs, to thereby help facilitate successful investigations and to monitor and counter terrorist travel; and

WHEREAS, the need for better international information sharing in this regard is urgent, and by ensuring systematic cross-national and cross regional data exchange related to FTFs, we can prevent international security gaps; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that law enforcement agencies should enhance their efforts to ensure maximum collection and recording of biometric information focused on unique identifiable attributes, including fingerprints, photos, iris, and DNA profiles, and contribute this data to these national, regional and international datasets dedicated to FTFs.