TOPEKA — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) concluded a $6.89 million replacement of the state’s searchable database that collects, manages, and compares fingerprints and palm prints for identification purposes in support of the criminal justice system. 

In 2020, the Kansas Legislature approved funding to replace the former system, called the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) with a more modern and efficient database now called the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). Prior to the project, this critical system was aging and outdated with software and technology that was unable to be supported or maintained. 

After funding was secured, the KBI surveyed key stakeholders, identified a vendor, and worked to develop and implement the new system. ABIS holds more than two million fingerprint records and over 596,000 palm prints. 

“The upgrade to ABIS will aid the criminal justice community in countless ways. This new technology makes the process of identifying individuals and determining if they have a criminal history record much more seamless,” said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. 

ABIS represents a major evolution in identification technology, and offers unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, and security. The modernized system interacts and exchanges records with the FBI’s Next Generation Identification system. ABIS went live to criminal justice partners on May 1, 2024, and numerous organizations and users have since experienced the improvements and advantages it offers.

“We know crime extends beyond the boundaries of cities, counties and states, so law enforcement agencies must have a reliable way to exchange identity records in order to solve complex crimes. Kansas’s ABIS now meets this challenge,” added Director Mattivi.