Abstract: A monitoring system is provided which includes a monitoring device placed within a building. The monitoring system further includes a device for allowing a user/operator to access the monitoring device in real time from a remote location.

Abstract: An identification confirmation unit is provided which includes a unit for gathering an individual's physical/biometric characteristics and data stored in and on an identification card and a processor for processing information about the characteristics and data to confirm the individual's identity and for verifying that the identification card has not been altered or forged. A method for confirming the identity of an individual is provided. The method comprises the steps of inserting an identification card into an identification confirmation unit, taking an image of at least one side of the inserted identification card, gathering embedded data from the identification card and uploading the gathered data to a processing unit, capturing at least one live image of the individual and uploading the captured image to the processing unit, and confirming the identity of the individual with the processing unit.