Identification Unit
The Identification Unit is the state repository for criminal arrest information.
The unit is staffed by Fingerprint Classifiers and clerical personnel who maintain
and update criminal history information currently on file. Personnel are responsible
for criminal history record checks, updating criminal history information as new
arrests are received, working closely with AFIS and the Latent Print Unit. The Record
Section of the Identification Unit replies to law enforcement, individuals and other
agencies, which have submitted proper paper work requesting criminal history information
from the Identification Unit.
Components of the Identification Unit
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
- this section utilizes a computerized system that was developed to sustain ABI's
mission to provide identification services to the state’s law enforcement community
and to organizations where criminal background histories are a critical factor in
consideration for employment or the well fair of a child. Well-trained technicians
utilize this system to analyze, store and compare fingerprint images. The AFIS system
gives ABI the ability to identify criminals quickly in order to keep the public
safe.
Imaging – This program basically consists of scanning sensitive documents to reduce
the section to manageable size, and to provide an indexing system. Under this program,
all arrest fingerprint cards and court documentations will be scanned and their
information will be stored in the Application Extender for future reference with
the click of a button.
Record Check Section – This section replies to law enforcement, as well as other
agencies, which have submitted proper paper work requesting information from the
Identification Unit files. Vital information of use to the criminal justice community
and those responsible for the safety of children and others. It is the responsibility
of the Record Check Section to use discriminating judgment combined with the utmost
accurate in disseminating this wealth of information in response to authorize inquires.
Classification Section – In those instances when a fingerprint card is not subjected
to an automated fingerprint search, a fingerprint classifier must classify and verify
the fingerprint cards by use of the manual search. A fingerprint classifier compares
the computer selected “candidate” with the incoming fingerprint card to determine
whether there is a positive identification.
NCIC – Identification Unit maintains a NCIC, which is a law enforcement source for
criminal information throughout the United States. NCIC 2000 expands data record
information, searching capabilities and notification of the originating agency when
another agency accesses information. The Identification Unit utilizes the NCIC to
perform preliminary checks on new employees, especially trooper applicants.
Criminal History Information:
- Criminal Histories for general public (Click
Here for Form)
- Criminal Histories for Alabama Department of Education (Click
Here for Form)
- Complete Criminal History with both Alabama/Federal Checks $44.25 per copy
- Criminal Histories for Department of Human Resources (Click
Here for Form)
- Complete Criminal History with both Alabama/Federal Checks $44.25 per copy
Requirements for obtaining criminal history information checks on non-criminal justice
applicants are as follows:
The applicant’s must provide full name, race, sex, date of birth and social security
number.
A cashier’s check, bank or postal money order in the amount required made payable
to: Alabama Bureau of Investigation NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR CASH
Mail request to the following:
Alabama Department of Public Safety
Alabama Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Identification Unit
PO Box 1511.
Montgomery, Al 36102-1511
The Identification Unit Mission
Reduce criminal activities by maximizing the ability to provide timely and accurate
criminal justice information to qualified law enforcement, criminal justice agencies,
civilian, academic, employment, and licensing agencies concerning individuals and
other law enforcement related data.