The easy to understand synopsis of identification systems, presenting in simple language the fingerprint identification process, from initial capture a series of finger images, to produce a Rapsheet. While the main focus is the automatic fingerprint identification, this book also touches the emergence and use of fingerprints in other biometric systems. Criminal justice administrators, policy makers, and students of forensic science and criminal justice will find references to known limitations and advantages of this system. This book provides information about the critical need for sustainable and well trained individuals as well as an understanding of direct and indirect costs associated with the maintenance of this system. key terms and issues are included, as well as suggestions to improve the overall identification number. This book will go beyond process and also discuss issues such as interoperability, management strategies for large databases, contract development, lights out verification and other issues that impact of automatic identification. - The title of the first comprehensive in this subject area - Outline in detail the entire process of collecting fingerprints and verification of identity - The future of AFIS will be discussed, including national standards in developing multi-agency cooperation / interoperability (U.S.) in addition to the use of AFIS identification worldwide.