Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS): An Overview
The Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is a biometric technology designed to capture, store, analyze, and compare fingerprint data for the purpose of identifying or verifying individuals. By leveraging the uniqueness and permanence of fingerprint patterns, AFIS has become a foundational tool in law enforcement, border control, civil identification programs, and a growing range of commercial applications.
What Is AFIS?
AFIS is a computerized system that automatically matches fingerprint images against a large database of stored fingerprints. Unlike manual fingerprint comparison, which relies heavily on human expertise, AFIS uses advanced algorithms to analyze fingerprint characteristics and rapidly perform large-scale searches with high accuracy and speed.