Date:
October 27, 2026 02
To: Board of Supervisors
Title
Sheriff – Authorize a Competitive Solicitation for an Automated Biometric Identification System and Establish Appropriations (Districts: All)
End
Overview
The California Identification System/Remote Access Network (CalID/RAN) provides statewide connectivity that enables local law enforcement agencies to access automated fingerprint, palm print, and photo databases at the local, state, and federal levels. This system supports rapid identification of individuals booked into detention facilities and latent prints recovered from crime scenes. As San Diego County’s CalID/RAN administrator, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) is responsible for ensuring the reliability and modernization of this critical capability.
San Diego County’s Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), implemented in December 2011, has effectively supported law enforcement identification operations but has become obsolete and requires replacement. On April 8, 2025 (4), the Board authorized the Sheriff’s Office to develop a competitive solicitation for a replacement AFIS system. However, during solicitation planning, staff identified substantial advancements in biometric technology and statewide modernization trends toward Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS). ABIS platforms provide a modern, scalable framework centered on fingerprint and palm print identification, with the flexibility to accommodate additional biometric modalities if future policy, technology, or operational needs warrant their use. Transitioning to an ABIS platform ensures continued compatibility with Department of Justice systems and aligns San Diego County with jurisdictions pursuing updated biometric identification capabilities.
Today’s actions request the Board’s authorization to issue a competitive solicitation for an Automated Biometric Identification System and establish appropriations of $5,000,000 for the purch...
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