Page 116 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

FROM PRINT TO IDENTIFICATION 101

impressions of fingers 2 through 5 and 7 through 10 were taken as groups, it
was easy for the experienced fingerprint technician to notice if the finger
images in boxes one through five did not match the finger images in the lower
right side of the fingerprint card.
This second set of images also acted as a backup set for the fingerprint
examiner to use for identification comparison or to enter into an AFIS
system if the primary set of images was not of sufficiently high quality. For
example, if the rolled finger image for finger 5 (right little) was not clear, the
technician could choose to use the image from the plain impression of finger
5 instead.
There were multiple types of fingerprint cards, but the two primary types
were those used for civil searches and those used for criminal searches. The
card in Figure 5.7 is an example of one used for civil purposes, such as job
applications, background checks for licenses, or other non-criminal applica-
tions. In these instances, it was expected that the results of the search were
needed as quickly as possible, since the applicant had a vested interest in the
positive outcome of the search. In addition, the search needed to be done right
the first time, because in such civil applications the applicant might be charged
for the search and so would not want to pay again for a second search.
The criminal fingerprint card contained information regarding the charge,
criminal code number, and arresting officer and other information relating to
the criminal event that was the basis for fingerprinting the individual. Although
the subjects in these cases perhaps were not as cooperative as those in civil cases
in providing accurate personal information and clear finger images, the finger
images from both civil and criminal fingerprint cards were expected to have
the same quality. The FBI provides specific procedures for taking legible
fingerprints. 1
For identification processing, these cards were mailed or faxed to a central
location where a criminal history check would be made. The search would be
narrowed by using items such as the name and finger patterns (using either the
Henry or the American Classification System). The results of the search would
be sent, by mail or fax, to the inquiring agency.
Even with the introduction of fax machines and better communications,
many states still did not operate a 24/7 identification bureau. Arrests made after
the close of business were arraigned only on the current criminal charge
without a fingerprint-based state criminal background check. A name check
might be the only type of background check available, even though it was not
unusual for the subject to provide a false name that had no criminal past con-
nected to it. It was possible that the arresting agency might receive a criminal

1 See http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/takingfps.html.