Page 55 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

40 AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

the ANSI/NIST standards with only slight modifications in 1996, a process that
continues with each succeeding revision of the ANSI/NIST standards. In 1997,
the ANSI/NIST transmission standard was revised and updated to include scars,
marks, and tattoos. At the same time, the National Automated Fingerprint Iden-
tification System (NAFIS) became operational in the United Kingdom.
With standards in place and the benefits of AFIS systems well documented,
the remaining barrier was the cost of purchasing and maintaining an AFIS. The
National Criminal History Improvement Project was implemented at just the
right time. NCHIP provided more than $270 million between 1995 and 1999.
Through 2003, more than $430 million was infused into state and local coffers
to improve criminal history and identification. Large states received a massive
amount of federal support. For example, California received $32 million;
Florida, $16 million; New York, $27 million; and Texas, $23 million. The table
in Appendix C lists the grants awarded by the NCHIP to each state by year,
along with the total amount awarded to each state over the years 1995–2003.
This infusion of capital into the identification marketplace created many
business opportunities. Meeting the demands of multimillion dollar contracts
required a significant investment in capital for research and development.
Companies such as Sagem Morpho, Printrak Motorola, NEC, Lockheed Martin,
and Cogent Systems emerged as large contractors for criminal and civil appli-
cations. Companies such as AWARE, AFIX Tracker, Comnetix, and FORAY
found niche market customers.
With storage and computer costs diminishing and bandwidth increasing,
agencies began to consider capturing palms and mug shots as a normal part of
their booking process. Following the successful introduction of AFIS systems
into the criminal arena, other areas of government found an interest in the
technology. The move from an exclusively forensic AFIS system (i.e., an AFIS
system for criminal searches or connected to a CCH) began to move into other,
civil applications.
With state social service agencies spending millions for public benefit, the
opportunities for abuse became a genuine concern. The Los Angeles Auto-
mated Finger Image Report and Match (AFIRM) system was the first finger
imaging system to be used for welfare applications. Following the success of
AFIRM, the state of California began using SFIS, the Statewide Finger Imaging
System, in 1992, which was then expanded to six other counties in the Los
Angeles and San Francisco area. Following contract procurement, challenges,
and another acquisition cycle, SFIS became operational for the entire state in
2001.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance also began
to fingerprint individuals who received certain classes of temporary assistance.
In addition to reducing the amount of fraud from “double dippers,” who