The Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
Instead of using ink and fingerprint cards to take fingerprints of arrested subjects, inmates and job applicants, the fingerprint images are captured electronically by scanning the fingers on a live-scan system. The textual information normally found at the top of a fingerprint card (e.g., name, race, sex, date of birth, etc.) is entered on the keyboard of the live-scan system. This textual information, along with the digital fingerprint images, are compressed and formatted according to the approved standards and transmitted electronically through the
State's telecommunications network to AFIS located at the State Police's State Bureau of Identification (SBI) in Dover and stored there.
The Department of Correction's use of AFIS is for establishing a positive identification
Although the AFIS units have many features that the Criminal Justice Community can use this section only describes how the DOC is using it.
FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION
confirmation of fingerprint identification with a fingerprint match comparison of fingerprint data from the subject against a specific SINGLE fingerprint identification record - referred to in the industry as one-to-one comparison. When an individual enters the DOC's booking and intake area a two-print scan is taken and compared to what is on file for this person (based on SBI number) in the AFIS database. If there is a match we have a positive identification. If there is a no match situation the DOC will do a full 10 print scan and that information will be transmitted to Delaware's State Bureau of Identification (SBI) for further processing.
FINGERPRINT SEARCHING
fingerprint identification attempt using an input fingerprint and performing a fingerprint search / match against a file of MANY fingerprint records in a database - referred to in the industry as a one-to-many search. This method is used by a technician located at SBI to determine if a person's fingerprints are on file (maybe under another name) or whether this set of fingerprints need to be added. When the DOC transmits a full 10 print scan this would be the technique used.
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more information on the Department of Correction AFIS Workstation workflow