The Friction Ridge Database (FRDB) unit maintains Wisconsin’s central repository of fingerprint and palm print records. The FRDB unit makes use of an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which helps catalog, search, compare, and store known finger and palm prints, unknown latent prints, and related demographic data from arrest and certain applicant records. The ABIS system also interfaces with the FBI’s Next Generation Identification System (NGI) and provides agencies access to nationwide criminal justice information.
FRDB technicians perform two major tasks: Quality Control of incoming prints to maintain an accurate database and customer requested non-evidentiary print comparisons using the database.
Who Do I Contact?
To obtain a copy of a subject's fingerprint card/record please contact the Crime Information Bureau Criminal History Unit by calling at (608) 266-7314 or emailing at CIBCriminalHistory@doj.state.wi.us
Need standard blank fingerpint cards? Use these resources:
Unfortunately, we cannot comply with requests that ask for a copy fingerprint card of a deceased love one.
DNA Submission FAQs
There is no limit to the number of times you can slap a subject’s prints on DNA Submission forms. If you notice they have worn down hands or are not confident in the initial capture, feel free to add more prints in the area provided or on the back of the form.
Make a notation on the form. If all fingers are amputated but a portion of the first joint is present, ink this portion of the finger. You may also print the palm of the subject as we may be able to use that for comparison if palm standards are on file.
The Friction Ridge Database Unit does not endorse any particular brand. Perfect Print, BlackMagic, or other similar quality fingerprint ink pads are recommended. It is not recommended to use textured ink pads as the texture can compromise the quality of the print.
Fingerprint Quality FAQs
Moisten the fingers using lotion or oils and wipe off any excess residue, this will help make the fingers softer and more pliable.
Properly maintain your livescan equipment at all times. Make sure the glass is wiped clean after each rolling and is free of dust, dirt, and any residual fingerprint images. Only use suggested cleaning products provided by your Livescan provider.
Please visit the
FBI CJIS website. They have great resources for guidance on collecting legible prints.
Dry each finger with a cloth or wipe each finger with rubbing alcohol and immediately ink and roll the finger.
If any or all of the fingers have a portion of the first joint present, ink and capture the available finger, both in the rolled and plain impression boxes. If any of the fingers are amputated below the first joint note "Amp" in the appropriate box.
Yes, as complete as physically possible. This ensures that the database has a record of the most current state of someone’s fingerprints, and it also improves the chances of potential matches to latent prints from unsolved cases.
FRDB Services FAQs
Contact the Friction Ridge Database Unit at the Madison Crime Lab and provide them with the TCN (Transaction Control Number) for the record in question. If they are able to locate the record, they will let you know what stage of the process it is in. Upon request they can also prioritize the record. If no record is found, the record will need to be resubmitted.
Because of our accrediting guidelines, all our comparison conclusions MUST be verified by a second qualified examiner before we can issue results. If you need results quickly, we can prioritize your request.
The Friction Ridge Database unit can compare a combination of two of the following per request, including two of the same type:
- Submitted fingerprint standard
- Standards from any WI SID
- Standards from any FBI number
No. The FRDB Unit does not alter demographic information on records.
There are two options available to agencies that want to know the WI SID/FBI number/criminal history of the individual in question. The defining point between choosing Option 1 or Option 2 is if the query is related to an arrest or not.