NCJ Number
147525
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 20 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 24-26,49
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The CONFIRM (Countywide Networked Fingerprint Identification and Remote Match) system in Santa Clara County, California, is intended to streamline the booking process by providing quick and positive identification of arrestees at the local level.
Abstract
The CONFIRM system takes automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) technology to a new level by establishing a local database of offender fingerprints, performing interactive comparisons of fingerprints taken at the intake site with the database, and returning matches instantly. The local CONFIRM system is smaller than State and Federal AFIS systems and therefore has a quicker response. Like other AFIS systems, fingerprints in the CONFIRM system are scanned and digitized at the intake point where the offender is booked. The scan is performed by electronically capturing fingerprint images which are sent to a remote site for data base entry. Although CONFIRM does not currently have the ability to handle latent fingerprint images collected at crime scenes, the addition of this feature is planned. The CONFIRM system can be expanded almost infinitely by adding additional base and remote work stations. In addition, the system's networking capability makes it more practical for several local agencies to share costs and benefits.