The automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is the national automated fingerprint identification and criminal history system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). AFIS provides automated latent fingerprint search capability, digital image storage and electronic fingerprint and response exchange. AFIS houses the fingerprints and criminal records of 70 million subjects in the criminal master file, 31 million fingerprint prints of civilians and 73.000 known terrorists and suspects processed by US or by international police agencies.
Fingerprints are sent voluntarily by the local FBI, state and federal law enforcement agencies. These agencies acquire fingerprints through criminal arrests or from non-criminal sources, such as employment background checks and the US-VISIT program.