NCJ Number
129028
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1990) Pages: 85-89
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Miami Police Department is approaching the end of its first decade with the use of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (A.F.I.S.), and it has proven itself many times in identifying offenders who might have otherwise gone undetected.
Abstract
The A.F.I.S. is a sophisticated filing system that reduces a fingerprint search down to a small number of possible matches that are then compared to the print sample by a skilled examiner. To streamline the operation, an Image Storage and Retrival subsystem was added to the A.F.I.S. This subsystem stores the original images of the fingerprints on an optical disc. It is more efficient for the computer itself to call up the image so it can be compared to the inquiry latent print. This technology will save many hours and simplify networking between agencies. The A.F.I.S. is also used to identify prisoners who may be using aliases to conceal their criminal histories as well as to identify crime-scene latent prints. A high percentage of the defendants positively identified by fingerprint evidence negotiate a plea with the prosecution rather than risk presentation of the evidence in a court case. These plea bargains reduce court costs by negating a jury trial. A.F.I.S. looks forward to additional improvement through interfacing with another A.F.I.S. to form a network. Live Scan Technology is also anticipated.