Kansas Bureau of Investigation completes $6.89 million upgrade to modernize fingerprint and palmprint database

By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has completed a $6.89 million modernization, replacing the state’s searchable database that collects, manages and compares fingerprints and palm prints for identification purposes and to support the criminal justice system.

In 2020, the Kansas Legislature approved funds to replace the outdated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) with the more modern and efficient Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). Prior to the project, the system was outdated and its software and technology could no longer be supported or maintained.

Once funding was secured, KBI interviewed key stakeholders, found a vendor, and worked to develop and implement the new system. ABIS now has more than two million fingerprints and over 596,000 palm prints.

“Upgrading ABIS will help the justice system in many ways. This new technology makes the process of identifying people and determining whether they have a criminal record much smoother,” said KBI Director Tony Mattivi.