By the end of the 20th century, the transition from paper to digital was nearly complete. In fiscal year 2023, manual examinations constituted only 3% of requests, while most comparisons were automated. CJIS processed 74 million fingerprints that year and registered its one-billionth electronic transaction.
The NGI System and Future Innovations
In 2014, NGI replaced IAFIS, expanding biometric modalities beyond fingerprints to include irises, palm prints, tattoos, scars, and marks.
Ferguson explained, “Whereas fingerprints will always be the staple and backbone of identification, we’re always looking for ways to revolutionize the way we identify individuals.”
The FBI also manages DNA, another highly accurate identification modality, through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) at the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. CODIS compares target DNA records against database records, similar to how NGI handles fingerprints.
Director Wray concluded the event by paying tribute to the generations of FBI employees who advanced the Bureau’s capabilities. “They’ve shown us that, while our adversaries can be formidable, working with our partners across law enforcement, we—the good guys—can be unstoppable,” Wray said.
