Real Time Identification (RTID) Project delivers new fingerprint system for National Police Services

On March 25, 2007, the Real Time Identification (RTID) Project released a new Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the infrastructure to permit electronic fingerprint submissions. This is a major milestone for RTID and introduces the first of the operational efficiencies to users of the National Police Services (NPS) Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) fingerprint identification and criminal records services.

RTID is an NPS Project being managed by the CIO Sector that will transform the existing CCRTIS manual, paper-based fingerprint and criminal record processes into modern, streamlined electronic processes. The new AFIS and supporting infrastructure are the foundation of an enhanced CCRTIS system capable of managing the planned increase of electronic fingerprint submissions. Phase 1 functionality and agency migration will occur in stages and CCRTIS will support agencies as they transition to the new system.

Both private sector and law enforcement agencies benefit from CCRTIS fingerprint services for criminal, civil and immigration purposes. The outcome of Phase 1 affects civil fingerprints and, once RTID Phase 1 is fully operational, CCRTIS will be able to respond to 85% of electronically submitted civil clearance requests (those that do not hit a criminal file) within 72 hours.

RTID and CCRTIS work will continue to enable the successful implementation of a modernized fingerprint and criminal record system. CCRTIS efforts will focus on adapting to the new processes and encouraging agencies to move to electronic processes, while the RTID Project will work on completing the release of Phase 1 functionality and on the modernization of the criminal records processes planned for Phase 2.