NCJ Number
119454
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1989) Pages: 47-51
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) of the California Identification System and the Tenprinter fingerprint system developed by a Minnesota firm are described.
Abstract
The AFIS is revolutionizing the field of fingerprint capture, storage, search, retrieval, and identification. California reported a 300-400 percent increase in productivity for 10-print processing during the early phase of implementing its AFIS, representing an estimated $2 million annual savings. Although the AFIS is an important technology breakthrough, problems in its use persist. A major problem involves traditional rolled ink prints on fingerprint cards that are still used exclusively by most police departments. Statistics indicate that at least one suspect in four may slip through the AFIS because of a poor fingerprint card kept on file for matching purposes. In addition to print quality, police departments are faced with other problems in using the AFIS, including the $3 to $40 million cost of a new AFIS, the demand on manhours to acquire and transmit 10-print cards to more than one identification bureau, and lack of immediate access to information in a system's main computer data base from remote locations. The Tenprinter system developed by a Minnesota firm employs laser technology and is able to obtain quality prints without inking fingers. Fingerprints are captured by simply rolling the fingers, one at a time, on a small, clear glass plate. When fingerprints are needed, the Tenprinter system can be instructed to automatically print out the subject's prints on standard card stock in Federal, State, local, or county formats. Via telephone, the Tenprinter system can also transmit fingerprints and demographic information automatically to local and remote printing sites. Up to nine remote printing stations can be managed by one remote Tenprinter without operator intervention.