The Nebraska Automated Fingerprint Identification System better known as AFIS is a computerized system, which provides rapid and accurate fingerprint processing and comparison.  Nebraska’s AFIS system was implemented on August 23, 1995, with five fingerprint workstations in the state.  Since 1995, Nebraska’s AFIS has gone through three major upgrades, one in 2003, 2007, and most recently in October of 2016.  In addition, the AFIS network has expanded from 5 fingerprint workstations to more than 20 AFIS workstations, 64 LiveScan machines, 88 hand held mobile identification devices, and a central database where the fingerprint images are stored. As of 2023, the AFIS database contains more than 1.7 million Ten-print fingerprint records (criminal and non-criminal combined), 1.5 million mugshots, and nearly 750,000 palm print images.

Fingerprint Identification

There are two types of fingerprint identification: Ten-print identification and Latent identification.

“Ten-print identification” involves collecting all ten of an individual’s fingerprints on a “ten-print card” and then comparing those fingerprints against fingerprints from a database to identify potential matches. An individual can be fingerprinted if they are arrested or if they are submitting a fingerprint-based background check for employment or licensure purposes. This type of identification is typically used to search criminal history records to determine if the individual has been arrested and fingerprinted in the past.

“Latent identification” involves comparing partial prints that have been collected at a crime scene against fingerprints in a database in an effort to identify the individual that left the partial print at the crime scene. Unlike what is portrayed on TV and in movies, it is important to note that the computer system does NOT make an identification. Potential matches are not identified by AFIS but a Certified Latent Print Examiner who conducts a detailed visual comparison to determine if the prints are a true match or not.

LiveScan technology has created the ability to collect an individual’s fingerprints electronically in high resolution images. These electronic records can then be submitted to the AFIS electronically. Despite the benefits of this technology, it is expensive and therefore can be cost prohibitive for smaller law enforcement agencies so the tried and true ink and paper collection method is still in use today. These fingerprint submissions must then be mailed to the Nebraska State Patrol to be scanned into the AFIS. LiveScans are located at the Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Headquarters in Omaha, Norfolk, Grand Island, North Platte and Scottsbluff. In Lincoln, the LiveScan is located at the Investigative Services Center. Additional LiveScans locations can be found by clicking the following link:

https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/services/fingerprinting

The Background Checks team serves as the starting and ending point for background checks. Background check requests that are received are entered into our tracking system by this team which then completes what we call the "first look-up".  This is a name-based search of our Patrol Criminal History (PCH) database to make an initial determination as to if the subject individual has a criminal record in Nebraska. Those requests that have a criminal history are forwarded to Update Team for review and update the criminal history record. Once the background check is finalized, the background check team generates the report and mails the results to the requestor or to the agency authorized to receive the results. It is important to note that the Nebraska Criminal History Repository is fingerprint-based so we only maintain criminal records where the offender was fingerprinted.

The Background Checks team also serves an accounting function to ensure that the appropriate fees are collected. In this capacity, they also maintain escrow account records for state agencies that take advantage of this service.

Created in 2013 using federal grant funds through the NICS Act Record Improvement Program (NARIP), the Centralized Protection Order Office is designed to facilitate the entry of Nebraska's protection order records into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for nationwide availability.

The CPO is also the repository for the registration of Foreign Protection Orders not entered into NCIC by the issuing agency. For additional information, visit: https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/services/protection-orders

The CID Front Desk Staff is the public face of CID.  They answer the phone and field questions of all varieties from the general public, assist people at the front window and they handle the fingerprinting duties for CID.  The front desk staff as a whole are very knowledgeable, professional and provide exceptional customer service!

Created in 2017 using federal grant funds through the NICS Act Record Improvement Program (NARIP), the NICS Program is designed to ensure Nebraska's firearm prohibiting records are available nationwide for firearm background checks.

The Permits Team is responsible for the processing of all Concealed Handgun permits (CHP) and permits for the purchase, storage and use of explosives.  Included with this responsibility is review of the documents submitted with the application, an exhaustive criminal history background check, printing and mailing the issued permits, reissuing permits due to loss or data changes and permit renewals.

Created in 2014 using federal grant funds through the National Criminal History Record Improvement Program (NCHIP), the QAIP is designed to provide a mechanism to reach out to our local criminal justice partners across the state to ensure that Nebraska's criminal history records are complete, accurate and are updated in a timely manner. 

Through data collection and on-site assessments, we are able to provide vital feedback to local agencies regarding the quality and timeliness of the information that they provide.  We are also able to facilitate the opening of lines of communication between our agency and our local partners ensuring that each agency through the entire criminal justice process is receiving the information that it needs to ensure complete and accurate records.

The CID Research Team is responsible maintaining the State of Nebraska's criminal history repository.  The repository consists of nearly 400,000 hard copy records, an electronic image storage and retrieval system and our Patrol Criminal History (PCH) database.  As new arrest records come to CID through the receipt of fingerprint arrest cards from across the state, a record of the arrest is added to PCH by the Research Team and the hard copy card is either scanned into the image storage and retrieval system or filed in the appropriate paper jacket or both.  In 2013 CID discontinued the practice of creating new paper files for first time offenders instead choosing to store these records electronically.

The Research Team also plays a crucial role in our background check process by reviewing the criminal history record for every background check where the subject individual has been arrested.  Through this review, the Research Team identifies arrest records where we do not have a final disposition yet.  By contacting the appropriate court or county prosecutor we are able to determine what the final result of that arrest was and update our records to ensure that the information we provide through a background check is as complete and accurate as possible. The Research Team also redacts information that we are prohibited by state statute from releasing to the public.

For additional information, please visit: https://sor.nebraska.gov/