Biometric Services Unit

About the Unit

The Biometric Services Unit (BSU) maintains Missouri’s Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Missouri AFIS enhances public safety by providing timely, accurate, and reliable identification through advanced biometric technology.

AFIS processes all fingerprints submitted to the Missouri Central Repository and is also utilized by the Crime Laboratory Division for latent fingerprint searches on active cases. BSU and the robust AFIS support criminal justice and non-criminal justice agencies by verifying identities and ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice process.

As Missouri houses a fingerprint-based criminal history system, fingerprint submissions through the state AFIS constitute the first step not only in the establishment of accurate records, but also in the returning of verifiable record information when background checks are requested. BSU also provides service to local law enforcement agencies in obtaining and maintaining an up-to-date livescan across the state. Follow the link below for the Livescan Expenditure Program for additional information.