NCJ Number
214950
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 56 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2006 Pages: 526-533
Date Published
July 2006
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes a new workflow configuration for law enforcement agencies to use in the processing and matching of fingerprints under an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Abstract
Traditional latent fingerprint AFIS workflow has required that the fingerprint expert take a latent print lift to the AFIS unit, place the lift under the camera, capture the latent print, and encode the latent print for a search at the specified AFIS workstation. Advances in computer technology, however, have transformed the AFIS workflow. AFIS software can now be installed on most personal computers (PCs), which means that fingerprint work previously done at a designated workstation can now be done at any PC workstation where examiners and technicians do the rest of their work. Fingerprint examiners can now scan, edit, verify, and launch fingerprint searches to local databases and external systems; view and print fingerprint cards from the same PC on which they compose response letters; log comparison information for statistics; e-mail responses; and track activity statistics. With the addition of a certified AFIS scanner to an examiner's desk computer, any latent print can be searched, re-edited, and forwarded to other search databases. In this AFIS workflow configuration, another fingerprint expert has immediate access on his/her desktop monitor for review and verification of another expert's search. With AFIS software on every desk, an expert can notify a co-worker of a certain search number and the verifier can access that case. The future capabilities of this technology include the ability to conduct on-screen comparisons of daily comparison work. Known print records can be accessed electronically, and latent prints can be accessed from a file or scanned into the system for side-by-side on-screen comparison. 2 references