Another "Smart Gun" Gimmick

Caught this at ThreatsWatch.org.

I understand it's in the early stages of development, but that doesn't make it any more palatable.

Sixty people crowded into a small room at the Bayonne police firing range to witness smart gun technology. Donald H. Sebastian, PhD, senior vice president of research and development at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), stood near an oversized screen displaying a real-time video of an NJIT policeman shooting an experimental handgun in an adjacent indoor range. Although there was no applause as shots rang out, the action demonstrated that smart gun knew friend from foe.

Sixteen electronic computerized sensors embedded in the gun’s grip distinguished known from unknown users. “We’ve only just begun and we’re pleased to say that we’re getting 90 percent reliability when scanning users,” said Sebastian.

Yep, only a one in ten chance of failing when you need it.

The project has the enthusiastic backing of Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg and Jon S. Corzine. In addition to proudly witnessing the technology, the pair announced in December 2004 that, once again, they had secured $1 million in federal funding for the project; they secured a similar amount the previous year. The funding was included in this year’s U.S. Department of Justice budget. Reps. Robert Menendez and William Pascrell, who have also supported the research and sought federal appropriations, also spoke, as did NJIT President Robert A. Altenkirch and Bayonne Mayor and State Senator Joseph Doria, an early New Jersey legislative supporter.

Of course they love it. It's a wonderful pork project for New Jersey. What senator wouldn't love to bring in a bit of easy cash for their constituents? Still doesn't make it worth the money.

Another form of biometric—the dynamic biometric—depends on both physical markers and behavior. “This is about who you are and how you do something, said Sebastian. This biometric is the foundation of Dynamic Grip Recognition. The technology measures not only the size, strength and structure of a person’s hand, but also the reflexive way in which the person acts. For smart gun, the observed actions are how the person squeezes something to produce a unique and measurable pattern. Embedded sensors in the experimental gun then can read and record the size and force of the users’ hand during the first second when the trigger is squeezed.

“This technology is similar to how electronic machines read an individual’s signature upon completing a credit card transaction,” said Sebastian.

What? Your signature isn't a biometric approval system. It merely records the signature as the proof that you signed. It's not used to allow the money transfer. In fact you could scribble nearly anything on the credit card signature and they accept it.

Frankly, when you get 80% of law enforcement people to use such things, then I'll agree that they are viable.

Note also that NJ is the state that wants to force all handguns to be "smart guns."