Page 265 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

250 AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

Table 10.3
The Human Element in 1. Accuracy depends on a good database
AFIS 2. Good investigative work finds latent prints
3. AFIS system are only tools in the latent print identification process
4. Latent print examiners, not AFIS, make identifications
5. The process begins and ends with people

prints. AFIS computers, which are designed, maintained, and improved by
people, search databases and produce candidates. For latent print examiners,
these candidate lists act as the starting point for identifications by presenting
them with candidates that have varying probabilities of matching the latent
print. Ultimately, it is the latent print examiner, who, with training, experience,
and skill, determines if there is an identification. The best matchers and coders
cannot improve on a finger image carelessly taken by a booking officer. Once
operational, systems have to be maintained and re-calibrated by people.
AFIS are tools; remarkable tools, but tools nonetheless. Their success will
always be dependent on the political will to keep them state of the art and the
people who use them to ensure justice is done.