AFIS stands for Automated Fingerprint Identification System. AFIS is a system in which images of known fingerprints are converted into code and stored in a computer database. Utilizing this database of known fingerprints, other images of inked fingerprints and unidentified latent fingerprints are then searched through the system to determine identity. The system converts the prints that are being searched into coded language and finds, for example, the top ten images in the system that most closely resemble the search code for the image being searched. It should be noted that AFIS doesn't identify anyone. A qualified examiner compares the images reported by the AFIS and determines if identity of the searched inked or latent fingerprint can be established.
