METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AND AUTHENTICATING ARTICLES

The present invention relates to a method and system for tracking, issuing, and authenticating gear or articles, such as uniforms, badges, equipment, firearms, etc, for use in law enforcement or other official capacity. An authentication system retrieves encoded information read by a reader from a plurality of different markers. A database is queried to retrieve biometric data corresponding to each marker whereby the biometric data is displayed on a display. A uniform having a computer-readable marker visible under ultraviolet light and an additional marker. A system for issuing one of the articles by authenticating an officer and storing the identity and encoded information in a database. An apparatus for applying a plurality of markers by way of a conveyor belt conveying the article by an ink jet printer and a laser engraver.