Friday, Oct. 1, 1999 | 11:01 a.m.
Developers of a new security system say the Internet-based product allows casinos and other businesses to match a face in the crowd against a database of known criminals.
The Bastille, named after the famous French prison, is being marketed to the gaming industry as a breakthrough method of catching would-be card-counters and slot bandits.
The security product is an Internet-based application developed by GTE Law Enforcement Services, a subsidiary of telecommunications giant GTE Corp. The company promoted the device this week at the American Society for Industrial Security conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"The initial product design started in August 1997, and followed several focus group discussions with law enforcement officials," said Brian Plotkin, operations manager for GTE Law Enforcement Services. "It cost approximately $10 million to develop and we had a prototype ready to go by the beginning of 1998. That was a much shorter development time than we'd normally have for such a product."
The Bastille recognizes criminals by what Plotkin terms "facial geometry" or bone structure; hiding behind a beard and glasses won't be sufficient to fool the electronic eye.
Plotkin says the innovation is a classic high-tech example of supply and demand.
"Today's criminals are far more mobile than they were 20 or 30 years ago," he said. "These days, it's quite possible for a criminal to perpetrate a crime in Las Vegas today and be across the country or the world by tomorrow. What this product does is allow law enforcement -- or commercial businesses such as casinos -- to have instantaneous recognition of known criminals via the Internet."
Plotkin says the Bastille can play an important role in helping the casino industry overcome geographic diversity and limited communication between competitors.
"Secured, Internet-based communication and constantly updated information means casinos in different states -- or even countries -- can share needed data on criminals targeting their businesses," he said. "That's as true for companies with properties in several locations as it is for competitors."
The Bastille was initially marketed to law enforcement organizations, said Plotkin.
"Police departments, especially those that are geographically far apart, often don't talk to each other," he said. "This device facilitates that kind of communication."
However, Plotkin said various industrial sectors -- including the gaming industry -- have expressed interest in the product. The company has sold the Bastille to a range of clients, including Atlanta-based First Data Corp. and NETPOL, a bail bond association in Houston, Texas.
"I've already spoken with representative of some of the larger casinos and they have expressed interest," said Plotkin. "We believe this is a device well-suited to their security needs."
Citing security concerns, representatives from several Las Vegas casinos declined to comment on the Bastille.
Companies deciding to add the Bastille to their security arsenal can expect to pay $299 per month per access point computer, said Plotkin; large casinos would likely require no more than four access points. GTE Law Enforcement maintains the systems at no additional cost.
As technology advances, Plotkin says his company will make the needed adjustments to ensure state-of-the-art security.
"The (high tech) world continues to evolve, and we'll continue to update our equipment to make sure clients have the latest technology to combat crime," he said.
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