Glossary
Every page spells a term out the first time it uses it. This is the standing copy: the partnership's terms in plain English, for a quick check or for forwarding to someone new to the field.
- ABIS
- Automated Biometric Identification System: the system that matches fingerprints and other biometrics against a database of records and identifies an unknown subject.
- Cal-ID
- California Identification System: the statewide fingerprint-identification program. Each participating county runs its own Cal-ID program, governed by its RAN board.
- Cal-RIDG
- California Regional Identification Group: a partnership of Cal-ID agencies and other law enforcement agencies sharing one ABIS.
- CJIS
- Criminal Justice Information Services: the FBI division whose Security Policy sets the standard for handling criminal-justice data.
- DMV
- The California Department of Motor Vehicles: the agency that collects the §9250.19 fee alongside regular vehicle registration.
- Hard card
- A paper fingerprint card, inked and rolled by hand; the standard before electronic capture.
- Hit / No-hit
- A hit is a match returned by a biometric search; a no-hit means the subject is not in the records searched.
- Latent print
- A fingerprint recovered from a crime scene; usually partial, and in need of a qualified examiner before it can identify anyone.
- Livescan
- Electronic fingerprint capture at booking; the successor to ink and paper.
- MFA
- Multi-factor authentication: a sign-in that requires more than a password.
- MOU
- Memorandum of understanding: the written agreement that sets the terms of work between agencies.
- Positive identification
- A confirmed match: the unknown subject is now a known one.
- RAN board
- Remote Access Network board: the county’s Cal-ID governing body under Penal Code §11112.4.
- SMT
- Scars, marks, and tattoos: the photographed identifying features that accompany a booking record.
- VPN
- Virtual private network: the encrypted connection between an agency and the shared system.