NCJ Number
101538
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1986) Pages: 2-8
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article highlights the FBI's achievements in developing automated fingerprint systems, with special attention to computerized latent fingerprint identification and future automation plans.
Abstract
The FBI has developed its automated fingerprint system in three phases: in 1975 it began to develop the necessary hardware and software, and then computerized criminal history records; second, the system was connected with the National Crime Information Center's Interstate Identification Index. The final phase is focusing on reducing processing time for fingerprint records. The automated system is also being used to select logical suspects in cases involving crime-scene latent fingerprints, solving cases that otherwise would remain unsolved. This program's capabilities are being enhanced by semi-automatic fingerprint readers and a system under development that provides online searching and matching capability against a data base of repeat offenders and criminals in specific crime-type categories. Plans for future automation include an image retrieval process which will eliminate the need to retrieve fingerprint cards from a manual file and refinements in automatic classification programs. Photographs and 4 footnotes.