The Identification Division is comprised of
eight sections: Prisoner Processing, Applicant
Processing, Latent Fingerprint Laboratory, Voice Image
Enhancement Laboratory, Data Entry Unit, Microfilm,
Firearms Laboratory, and the Brady Unit.
The division's responsibilities include
collecting and maintaining criminal history data on
suspects arrested for a Class B misdemeanor offense or
above. Using the Automated Fingerprint Identification
System (AFIS), the division is able to identify repeat
offenders and ensure that current criminal history data
is denoted on the proper record. This system also enables
the division to enter latent fingerprints found at crime
scenes and identifies suspects solely on fingerprint
identification.
Through state grants, the division has
acquired the latest technology for use in voice
identification, tape filtering, and image enhancement. As
an example, image enhancement enables the department to
enhance surveillance videotape of a robbery to make a
suspect identification that may otherwise be impossible
due to a poor video image.
The Firearms Laboratory supports the
investigative divisions by identifying a firearm used
during the commission of a crime by matching the
projectile and/or cartridge with the firearm. The
division has obtained the latest technology in this field
which enables the lab to match cartridges and bullets
found at various shootings through automation.
The division also performs services to the
public, which include fingerprinting individuals for
employment and providing police clearance letters for
immigration purposes and conducting business overseas.
You may contact the Identification Division
at 713-308-3000
