NCJ Number
137349
Date Published
1992
Length
92 pages
Annotation
A national survey gathered information about the current status of automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) in the United States.
Abstract
A one-page form was mailed to each of the 62 agencies known to have an AFIS to obtain the name of a contact person and to obtain any existing documentation regarding their system. Each agency contact was then mailed a survey together with a cover letter explaining that the survey would be taken over the telephone. The responses to the mailed surveys were augmented by telephone interviews with each agency contact, 15 site visits, and information collected at 5 user conferences. Results revealed that half the agencies are located at the city or county level of government, 42 percent are at the State level, and 8 percent are either regional or private operations. Organizationally, almost 60 percent are located within identification bureaus or criminal records divisions. Start-up costs averaged $4.2 million, mostly for hardware and software. Most agencies reported that they would implement their systems differently if they were doing it again. Specific changes desired were systems that were more user- friendly and faster and that had live scan procedures. However, the users, especially the local governments, were relatively satisfied with their systems. Tables, survey instrument, background information regarding the nature and history of AFIS, and additional results regarding user satisfaction and system impacts are included.