The automated systems are driven by sophisticated image processing algorithms that exact fingerprint characteristics for comparison against data bases of fingerprint repositories. The AFIS database consists of both criminal and applicant fingerprint images. GCIC, which is the central repository for all fingerprint cards throughout the State of Georgia, receives approximately 15,000 fingerprint cards per month from State, local and private agencies. Currently the AFIS database has 1.7 million sets of prints or 17 million fingers. The search capabilities of the AFIS is an invaluable tool to law enforcement field personnel.
Most routine searches take fractions of a second to a couple of minutes.
This same search done manually prior to AFIS could take a technician 50 years to complete. AFIS searches can be done for latent crime scene prints, unknown deceased subjects, or personal positive identification. Since the AFIS was installed in Georgia, it has helped to match fingerprints of over 100 previously unsolved cases in the state. Final verification for latent searches will always be made by a certified Latent Print Examiner in a manual side by side comparison and by a GBI Identification Technician for tenprint verification. Any of these checks can be done even with no suspects.