What is the function of IAFIS in law enforcement?

The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) serves as a crucial tool for law enforcement agencies, as it is a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the FBI. This system allows law enforcement to quickly identify individuals through their fingerprints, which is essential in criminal justice processing, investigations, and ensuring public safety.

IAFIS stores millions of fingerprint records and can perform rapid comparisons, assisting officers in identifying suspects, verifying identities, and linking individuals to past criminal activities. The integration of automated technology enhances efficiency in the identification process, making it a vital resource for maintaining security and assisting in various law enforcement operations.

Understanding the full name—Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System—highlights its comprehensive nature and its role in integrating various fingerprint data from across the country, therefore emphasizing its central function within the law enforcement community.