Handheld Fingerprint Reader Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The city of Napa's Police Department will utilize its FY 2010 Edward Byrne JAG award to purchase fingerprint reading hardware and software to be used by officers in the field. These handheld devices will provide law enforcement officials with the ability to gain a positive identification of a person who either has no government identification or possesses one that officers believe is fraudulent or altered. This fingerprint scanner will search AFIS (automated fingerprint identification system) managed by the county of Napa. A positive return on a person's fingerprint will include a photograph, a name, and arrest information which will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of officers in the field.

NCA/NCF