[Scan-DC] Fairfax Co. Police Introduce New Technology

[Alan Henney]

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From: FCPD PIO
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 2:04 PM
Subject: Media Advisory: Police Introduce New Technology

Fairfax County Police Department

Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
www.fairfaxcounty.gov

Media Advisory: Portable AFIS/CSN/NOVARIS

November 13, 2007

Police Introduce New Technology

Fairfax County Police are now able to instantaneously identify someone
by their fingerprints and photograph while on the street. The Northern
Virginia Automated Fingerprint System (NOVARIS) has received funding
from the Office of Homeland Security to upgrade the fingerprint
identification system with the latest technology including facial
recognition software.

The Department purchased 50 portable Automated Fingerprint
Identification System (AFIS) units. The units can be used to identify
a person by scanning two index fingers and taking a photograph. Any
person with a criminal record will be searchable through the AFIS
unit. Once a match is made, a photo of the individual and the correct
identification will appear.

This upgrade will significantly improve police capabilities to track
criminal activity throughout the region, combat terrorism, contribute
to gang intelligence gathering and solve a greater number of crimes.
NOVARIS is a member of the National Capital Regional Automated
Fingerprint Identification System (NCR AFIS).

Fairfax County Police will demonstrate the portable AFIS unit on
Wednesday, November 28 at 10 a.m. at police headquarters, located at
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.

Note to media: Please contact PFC Camille Neville if you plan to
attend.

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