Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (the Iafis)

Introduction

The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), stands as a monumental advancement in the field of law enforcement and criminal investigation. This essay explores the multifaceted history and importance of IAFIS, examining its evolution, technological foundations, practical applications, and impact on solving cold cases.

IAFIS: A Brief Overview

IAFIS, an acronym for Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, represents a national automated fingerprint identification system that revolutionized the way law enforcement agencies process and analyze fingerprints. Developed and maintained by the FBI, this system boasts automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent fingerprint searching capability, electronic image storage, and the electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses. By allowing the electronic submission of fingerprints, IAFIS dramatically reduced processing times to just two hours for criminal submissions and within 24 hours for civil submissions. Moreover, it houses the world's largest database containing criminal history records for over 55 million individuals.

The Evolution of IAFIS

Since its inception in 1924, the FBI has been at the forefront of fingerprint management, receiving thousands of fingerprint submissions daily. Early on, however, challenges arose in the form of scanning and feature extraction, as well as matching fingerprints efficiently. The initial Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) required an entire room and came with substantial costs. However, in its first year of operation, it successfully converted over 14 million fingerprints to digital format.

Despite early promise, in 1974, the FBI reverted to manual processing, which took an astonishing 30 to 45 days to process a single fingerprint request. Subsequently, an innovative process emerged, significantly accelerating print identification. In contrast to the old system's multiple days, the new system could process thousands of sets in just 30 minutes. The success of AFIS spurred various companies to attempt to replicate its capabilities. It was not until July 1999 that IAFIS reached its most advanced form, marking a significant milestone in its official creation.

Technological Foundations

IAFIS boasts a wide array of services, including ten-print based fingerprint identification, fingerprint services, subject search and criminal history services, document and imaging, and remote ten-print and latent fingerprint search services.

Fingerprint identification service involves the submission of ten rolled impressions and ten flat fingerprint impressions. These fingerprints are typically obtained during an arrest in various jurisdictions, processed locally, and then electronically transmitted to a state agency system for further processing. IAFIS accommodates both electronic and hard-copy submissions of latent fingerprints, and each record is generated through the submission of fingerprint images.

Participating states actively contribute to the system by submitting initial and subsequent fingerprint images of arrested individuals. Once these records are established, states can provide requested criminal history records for state-maintained records. Those states involved with the National Fingerprint File (NFF) submit only the first arrest fingerprint images to establish clearer records within the system. Subsequent activity related to NFF records becomes the sole responsibility of NFF states. In cases where an IAFIS fingerprint inquiry identifies a person with a criminal history in one or more NFF participating states, a Criminal History Request is forwarded to the appropriate NFF state's criminal history system for a response. The IAFIS also offers remote print and latent fingerprint searches, enabling law enforcement agencies to efficiently access vital information for their investigations.

Practical Applications and Impact

The significance of IAFIS extends beyond its mere existence; it plays a pivotal role in solving cold cases and facilitating criminal investigations. A poignant example of this impact occurred in October 1978 in Omaha, Nebraska, when a man was brutally stabbed to death. Despite the collection of evidence, including latent and palm prints, the case remained unsolved for decades.

In December 2008, the Police Department's Cold Case Unit collaborated with the Criminal Laboratory Services Section of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to re-examine the evidence. The Police Crime Laboratory turned to IAFIS to search the latent prints. Within a short period, IAFIS responded with a list of potential candidates. After a thorough investigation, IAFIS conclusively identified the first suspect, providing a long-awaited resolution to a case that had baffled investigators for years. This success story exemplifies the tangible impact of IAFIS on law enforcement's ability to solve previously unsolvable cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of law enforcement and criminal investigation. Its evolution from its inception in 1924 to its state-of-the-art form in 1999 showcases the relentless pursuit of efficiency and accuracy in fingerprint analysis. IAFIS's technological foundations, including its services and capabilities, have revolutionized the way law enforcement agencies handle fingerprint data. Moreover, its practical applications, as evidenced by the successful resolution of cold cases, underscore its immense significance in the world of criminal justice.

As we continue to advance in technology, IAFIS stands as a testament to the possibilities of innovation in solving crimes, offering hope to victims and their families, and ensuring that justice is served. In an ever-changing landscape, IAFIS remains an indispensable tool for law enforcement agencies, continuously evolving to meet the challenges of the modern world.