Page 136 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

CHAPTER 6

CURRENT ISSUES

The move to more fully automate identification practices has both planned
and unplanned consequences. More groups of people are being fingerprinted
as part of a background check than ever before, and the application of
finger images to new areas is steadily increasing. These advances, however, are
not always easy or fully integrated with other existing systems. This chapter
describes some of these changes. It begins with a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats) analysis of AFIS systems. One strength, for example,
is the amazing accuracy of AFIS identifications; one weakness is the lack of com-
plete interoperability between large identification systems such as the FBI’s
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) and the
Department of Homeland Security’s IDENT system.
DNA and fingerprint images in their current development are also
described. These biometrics should be considered as complementary rather
than competing identification methods. Also described in this chapter are
examples of new civil applications of AFIS technology as well as the emergence
of multistate and multinational identification systems.

6.1 SWOT ANALYSIS
There are many factors that determine how, and how well, AFIS systems are
used, both now and in the future. They can be described in terms of strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis is
often used by businesses to examine areas of vulnerability and discover areas
of opportunity.
After completing a SWOT analysis, a company may discover marketing
opportunities that are not being fully exploited, or they may realize that their
success is too dependent on just a handful of individuals. If those key employ-
ees leave the company for retirement, for another career, or possibly to work
for the competition, could the company survive? A SWOT analysis helps com-
panies examine the interaction of people and processes and make educated
choices.