Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
The Automated Fingerprint Identification System, commonly referred to as AFIS, is a computerized system for entering, storing, searching, retrieving and matching fingerprint and palm print images. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Department AFIS Unit began operation in October 2009 and is capable of storing one quarter of a million fingerprint and palm print images in its database.
Fingerprint identification remains the most commonly used forensic evidence in the world. In most jurisdictions, fingerprint examination cases match or outnumber all other forensic examination casework combined. Since AFIS databases are constantly being updated and compared, AFIS can help solve a crime which occurred years ago.
Computer Forensics
Computer and Cell Phone Forensics have become a major tool in today's law enforcement investigations. Nearly every crime committed can be linked in some way to a computer, media device, camera or cell phone. They have become a part of our everyday lives.
The DeSoto County Forensic Center is equipped with the latest tools used to examine and analyze the contents of computer hard drives and media devices in a secure, methodical manner as to ensure the integrity of the contents during the process. We utilize numerous computers and a variety of software to image and extract data. Through the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department and the United States Secret Service Task Force, the equipment has been in place since October of 2011.
