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Council approves interlocal agreement to join regional SPEX AFIS fingerprint network
Summary
The council approved an interlocal agreement on June 17 to join the regional SPEX Forensic Network AFIS fingerprint database, allowing Borger police to scan fingerprints locally and receive faster regional matches before querying state and national databases.
The Borger City Council on June 17 approved an interlocal agreement to participate in the regional SPEX Forensic Network for an AFIS (automated fingerprint identification system) fingerprint database.
Chief Davis explained joining the network supplies a computer terminal and scanner so officers can scan fingerprint cards locally rather than mailing cards to the state fingerprint lab in Austin. He described the process: a trained fingerprint technician scans cards and identifies minutiae points, submits queries to the regional system for rapid local matches and the system also queries the state and national databases.
Chief Davis said a regional database returns hits faster because it contains a smaller, locally relevant dataset; a local hit “can come back within 24 hours.” He noted the regional entries remain accessible over time and increase the chance of delayed matches when a person is later arrested in another jurisdiction.
Councilmember moved to approve the interlocal agreement and authorize the city manager to execute it; the motion was seconded and passed.
The approved agreement covers fingerprint scanning and regional database access only; it does not add other forensic services, according to council discussion.
