NCJ Number
136825
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 42 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1992) Pages: 225-229
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development of a computerized system that enables individual fingerprints to be filed and upon which cold searches can be performed with the use of a personal computer.
Abstract
The system created is a relational database program written in Clipper for IBM compatible computers that use DOS 2.1 or higher. The present version is over 800K, but a system of internal overlays makes it accessible to platforms of 640K or less. Although a hard drive is not required, the slower speeds of the floppy disk are objectionable. The system currently uses an AT 286 compatible with a 40M hard drive. Computer memory requirements for data storage are minimal. A total of 611 Electronic Arrest Records (EAR) were entered into the computer with the use of less than 360K. The 611 EAR entries are 6,110 individual fingers that represent 450 persons along with 160 referenced entries. Based upon this rate, a 3.5 inch, 1.4M disk could hold approximately 2,400 entries that would represent 1,746 persons, 620 referenced entries, and 23,706 individual fingerprint codes. EAR's are generated by entry of basic information that includes the subject's name, birth date, aliases, physical descriptions, and other identifiers. The software (sdisTM) performs the first of several automatic searches after entry of the name and date of birth of the individual. All EAR's in the system are reviewed. If a possible match is found, the EAR card of the selected person is brought to the screen for comparison and confirmation. If the new record appears unique to the system, the remaining physical data are entered. The EAR then requires entry of the fingerprint classification. 4 references