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138 AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

identification with an applicant component, and latent print identification (see
Fig. 6.4).
Civil applications of AFIS systems, such as determination of eligibility for
welfare benefits, are different from the forensic applications in a number of
ways. For instance, the new “civil” applications are usually a one-to-one (1:1)
search, a verification function, rather than a one-to-many (1:N) search, an iden-
tification function. In the one-to-one search, as described earlier, the results are
yes or no, pass or fail, match or no match. The subject needs to be enrolled only
once and demographic updates to the record are not necessary, i.e., there is no
forensic history of the person. The computer matches the person’s name or
identification number with the finger image and compares the most recent
impression of the subject with the current impression. The search is performed
against a relatively small database that may contain only one or two subject finger
images instead of ten fingers. This type of searches can be called a “closed”
search because the search is limited; it is also referred to as a “verification”
search. Also, there is an inherent belief that the subject will cooperate since con-
firmation of identity is linked to the receipt of some benefit.
The criminal and civil systems differ in terms of their complexity and cost
because of their differing purposes. Additionally, while the search databases for
forensic applications are maintained for law enforcement purposes, the data-
bases for civil applications are operated and maintained by non-law enforce-
ment personnel. The requirements for record retention, confidentiality, and
even accuracy can be very different for civil applications. The personnel who
collect the demographic data and take the initial prints for civil applications do
not need the same level of training as their counterparts in the law enforce-
ment arena. Errors in processing can more easily be corrected because the
network is more contained. These systems may only need to be operational on
an 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule, reducing stress on individual components

Figure 6.4
Forensic and Civil AFIS
Forensic
Applications Civil
(Identification) (Verification)

Criminal Driver’s License

Applicant Social Service

Latent Voter Registration