ADDITIONS TO Fingerprint System Benefits State, Municipalities

New additions to the Connecticut fingerprinting system unveiled today at the Connecticut State Police Headquarters will benefit State Police and Law Enforcement officers on duty in municipalities across the state.

The Automated Fingerprint Information System (AFIS) allows Troopers and Police Officers to submit criminal fingerprints electronically and immediately receive an FBI criminal history and identification from Connecticut – both of which will help law enforcement to make decisions regarding the release of the person back into the community.

Nine municipalities and three universities will receive both in-house fingerprinting units in the coming weeks and will completely outfit all state and local police departments in Connecticut.  The units were made available with a $1 million stimulus recovery grant from the federal government.

With a suspect’s fingerprints, proper identity will be ensured.  A suspect with a violent history will not be able to use a false name to elude capture or be released without proper bond.

“These new units will provide another valuable tool for law enforcement officers across the state of Connecticut.  Each fingerprinted suspect will be properly identified and held by police, if necessary, to keep the public safe,” noted Colonel Thomas Davoren, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner James M. Thomas noted, “This latest technology will enable our Troopers to quickly conduct criminal histories on suspects and to make decisions about those suspects. I am grateful for the federal stimulus funding, which will play a key role in keeping our communities safe.”

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