NBI launches Automated Clearance Machine (ACM)

The National Bureau of Investigation or NBI launches Automated Clearance Machines (ACMs) September 3, Wednesday at Carriedo branch, Carriedo Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila. You can now get your clearance faster from NBI.

An ACM is like an automated teller machine (ATM), except that instead of cash it dispenses your clearance – that is, if you have no criminal record. And you have to pay first the usual fee, by inserting bills or coins in the machine.

An ACM works with a clearance renewal card (CRC) that you simply feed into the machine so that transactions start quickly.

The ACM uses facial and fingerprint biometrics system to check on the personal information of the individual applying for NBI clearance renewal.

If the individual’s biometrics matches that of the machine, it will proceed to the database to see if there is any criminal record in the name of the ACM cardholder.

If there's no record, the machine automatically prints an NBI clearance, while updating the chip afterwards with the latest information.

In case of "hits," which means you have a record, the system will check the information on the chip to see if the records had already been cleared previously. If so, the m,achine will print a clearance.

If the applicant is not cleared of his or her criminal record or has a namesake, he will be instructed to proceed to CRC cardholders’ fast lane for further records verification by the NBI.

The ACM is made possible through Mega Data Corp., the NBI’s systems integration company and technical systems provider since 1974.

In the 1990’s, the NBI, through technical assistance from Mega Data, installed manned instant renewal kiosks inside malls and regional and district offices of NBI nationwide, allowing the same-day release of clearances.

Then in 2005, NBI and Mega Data launched the NBI clearance on wheels, a mobile clearance processing system that brought clearance services to remote areas.

Mega Data is also the company behind the license renewal system of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).