Page 14 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

FOREWORD

AFIS systems are amazing. With AFIS, people can be fingerprinted and have
their criminal history records checked in a matter of minutes; a mug shot and
palm print might be included on the rap sheet returned to the inquiring
agency. The technology has moved from exclusively forensic or criminal appli-
cations into other areas, such as social services benefits and other emerging
applications.
The greatest use of AFIS technology is for tenprint identifications, in which
rolled fingerprint images are compared against enrolled records. The greatest
potential value of AFIS systems lies in the area of latent print identifications.
The ability of AFIS systems to search millions of records in minutes and present
candidates to the latent print examiner borders on the incredible. As amazing
as the AFIS systems are, however, they still rely on the latent print examiner to
make the identification.
The New York City Police Department Latent Print Unit has made thousands
of latent print identifications using the Statewide Automated Fingerprint
Identification System (SAFIS), maintained by the New York State Division of
Criminal Justice Services. Some of these identifications resulted in the arrest of
burglars, some identified victims, and others resulted in the arrest of killers.
Our latent print examiners have the background, training, and expertise to
utilize AFIS.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center, the
NYPD Latent Print Unit worked endlessly to identify the remains of the victims.
Ultimately, the latent print examiners were able to identify over 300 victims,
bringing closure and comfort to their families. This would not have been pos-
sible without AFIS technology.
AFIS systems have changed the way we do business. AFIS is a valuable tool,
but nonetheless only a tool. It relies on the people who use it and those who