FBI’s CJIS Biometric Technology Center Marks a Decade of Innovation and Service
September 22, 2025 — The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division is proudly commemorating the 10th anniversary of its state-of-the-art Biometric Technology Center, a facility dedicated to advancing the agency’s biometric identification capabilities. Established in 2015 on the CJIS campus in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the 360,000-square-foot center has become a critical hub for developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies that bolster law enforcement efforts nationwide.
A Decade of Technological Progress
When the center opened, its primary mission was to enhance investigative tools focused on biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, iris recognition, facial patterns, and palm prints. Over the years, the center has dramatically transformed identification processes — moving well beyond traditional paper-based fingerprint files to sophisticated digital systems with ever-improving accuracy.
CJIS Deputy Assistant Director Brian Griffith highlights the evolution: “It started with fingerprint data that enabled access to criminal histories and the National Crime Information Center. Then, when the Department of Justice needed to find a home for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, CJIS was the natural choice because of its existing infrastructure and expertise.”
Fingerprint Technology Advances
In 2015, the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) System was in its infancy, housing 107 million master fingerprint records. Today, the repository contains 189 million prints, with an identification accuracy rate reaching 99.6%. Modern algorithms effectively identify fingerprints — even those captured poorly, out of sequence, or upside down — vastly improving successful matching rates.
FBI analyst Christin from CJIS’s Biometric Services Section (BSS) illustrates the practical impact: “Our NGI mobile app allows field agents to scan fingerprints quickly for cases involving deceased individuals or criminal bookings. Rapid identification helps advance investigations and often brings closure to families within minutes.”
The mobile fingerprinting technology also plays a crucial role during crises, such as natural disasters or mass casualty events, where fingerprinting experts assist law enforcement with identification tasks, even when personnel lack prior fingerprinting experience.
Beyond identification, the NGI System interfaces with multiple federal databases, encompassing over 500 million fingerprints. This integration supports a wide range of law enforcement activities, from removing innocent bystanders from investigations to vetting personnel for access to secure federal facilities.
Repository for Individuals of Special Concern (RISC)
Complementing fingerprint capabilities is the Repository for Individuals of Special Concern (RISC), a focused database containing nearly 7 million records of high-priority subjects, including fugitives, terrorists, and sex offenders. The RISC system requires just two fingerprints to generate a probable match in an average of 5.4 seconds — a process that runs without examiner intervention.
Analyst Angela Elliott explains the significance: “RISC lets officers in the field quickly identify dangerous individuals. If a match occurs, they receive detailed criminal records instantly to aid immediate decision-making.”
RISC’s effectiveness was demonstrated in January 2025 when it helped law enforcement apprehend Donald Fields, an FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive, after a routine traffic stop in Florida.
Innovations in Iris Recognition
The Biometric Technology Center continues to pioneer new biometric modalities, notably in iris recognition. Analyst Dennis Cutlip elaborates, “The iris has up to 240 unique identification points and functions like a QR code that remains stable after eight months in the womb. This makes iris recognition a powerful tool for identity verification and officer safety.”
The ongoing research and deployment of iris recognition tools mark a significant step forward in biometric applications, complementing fingerprints and facial recognition in investigative and security scenarios.
Impact and Future Outlook
Over the past decade, the CJIS Biometric Technology Center has played a pivotal role in accelerating the transition of biometric innovations from the research phase into active field use. The center’s work empowers law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and allied partners with rapid, reliable identification tools crucial for public safety and effective criminal justice administration.
Angela Elliott sums it up: “All these services are designed to support those protecting our communities. Whether it’s officers on the street or investigators working cold cases, providing fast and accurate identification enhances safety and helps deliver justice.”
As the center celebrates this milestone, it remains firmly positioned for future advancements, continuing to enhance the FBI’s ability to meet new challenges through biometric technology excellence.
For more information on the CJIS Biometric Technology Center and its initiatives, visit the FBI’s official website.
