scope:

This standard defines the content, format, and units of measurement for the exchange of fingerprint, palmprint, facial/mugshot, and scar, mark, & tattoo (SMT) image information that may be used in the identification process of a subject. The information consists of a variety of mandatory and optional items, including scanning parameters, related descriptive and record data, digitized fingerprint information, and compressed or uncompressed images. This information is intended for interchange among criminal justice administrations or organizations that rely on automated fingerprint and palmprint identification systems or use facial/mugshot or SMT data for identification purposes.

This standard does not define the characteristics of the software that shall be required to format the textual information or to compress and assemble the associated digital fingerprint image information. Typical applications for this software might include, but are not limited to, computer systems associated with a live-scan fingerprinting system, a workstation that is connected to or is part of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), or an Image Storage and Retrieval system containing fingerprints, facial/mugshot, or SMT images. 

Purpose

Information compiled and formatted in accordance with this standard can be recorded on machine- readable media or may be transmitted by data communication facilities in lieu of a finger print card, a latent fingerprint, facial/mugshot, or other types of photographs. Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies will use the standard to exchange fingerprint, palmprint, or other photographic images and related identification data.