New ID System Will Speed Jail Bookings

A new high-tech “inkless” fingerprint identification system will let the Police Department identify people in three minutes, revolutionizing the way arrestees are booked at Anaheim City Jail, officials said.

The automated system, expected to be in operation by March, will enable police to make a quick and positive identification to determine if an arrestee is a repeat violator or illegal immigrant.

“This system is going to save the jail so much time, and we don’t have to worry about people who we’ve dealt with before walking out of here,” Police Lt. Ted Labahn said.

Under the current system, booking and identifying prisoners can take from 20 minutes to three days or more, Labahn said. And of the 10,000 to 14,000 people booked each year, about 20% lie about their identities, he said.

As a result, Labahn said, some people wanted for previous violations could post bail and be released before police could receive confirmation required to hold them.

The new system will replace ink fingerprints on cards. More than 200,000 fingerprint cards are already on file with the Police Department. The new system will not only speed and automate the process, it will add digital mug shots.

The City Council has approved a contract with Anaheim-based Printrak International Inc. to lease the equipment for about $447,000 a year. The council also approved spending about $107,000 for a mini-photo lab with digital capabilities.