Civil Applications of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems

• NCJ Number: 130746
• Author(s): T F Wilson
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 27 pages
• Sale Source: North American Morpho Systems, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Based on the proceedings of a Government Technology Conference workshop held in Albany, N.Y., on September 25, 1990.

Annotation

This report examines reasons for, examples of, and issues in civil applications of automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS).

Abstract

The report notes that the United States does not have an accurate and reliable system for verifying the identity of an individual. The consequences of not being able to expose false identification have been far-reaching, both in terms of public safety and costs to Federal, State, and local governments. The only reliable method of identification is through an unchanging physiological characteristic of an individual such as a fingerprint. With AFIS, identification can be swift and accurate. This report reviews Federal legislation designed to counter false identification and document fraud. This is followed by examples of civil applications of AFIS. One example is the use of an AFIS by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure legitimate applications for refugee status and financial assistance. Los Angeles will shortly use an AFIS to ensure that only eligible persons receive public welfare assistance. Technical considerations in civil applications of AFIS include the economics of large-scale civil systems, the accuracy of live scan fingerprints, and standards for AFIS image transmissions and compression. Privacy issues are also discussed. 17 notes