WHEREAS, identification of individuals using fingerprint databases is hindered by the lack of interoperability of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS); and

WHEREAS, identification of individuals is an important aspect of proper criminal booking procedures, and an additional tool for identifying those who may be trying to hide their true identity and also clear those who may be unintentionally a victim of identity theft; and

WHEREAS, AFIS databases are essential for the comparison of latent fingerprints from crime scenes and assisting in identifying violent and/or recidivist criminals and those who may pose a threat to the security of the United States and other countries; and

WHEREAS, AFIS of different manufacturers cannot communicate or seamlessly interoperate with each other between states, local law enforcement agencies and in some cases, federal and international systems; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police strongly recommends that a national organization such as the Federal Bureau of Identification or the National Institute of Justice create an initiative that will result in making these automated fingerprint identification systems interoperable and create an “enter once, search many” capability.