Law enforcement agencies across King County rely on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to prevent wrongful convictions and keep our criminal justice system running efficiently. If passed, King County Measure 1 would once again renew funding for the regional AFIS system levy for seven years.

Last approved in 2018, the levy would renew funding for AFIS at a lower rate – $0.0275 per $1,000 in assessed property value – than the existing levy. The levy renewal is estimated to cost the owner of a $845,000 home approximately $23 in its first year, raising its low rate by 1% annually for the following six years it is in effect.

AFIS is an enhanced forensic fingerprint and palmprint tool for both identification and exoneration. It ensures that the administration of justice in our county is using the most up-to-date and accurate technology available. AFIS has responded to more than 5,000 crime scenes and processed nearly 26,000 items of evidence in the past two years alone. The system holds nearly 3 million identification records that expedite the justice process and allow for better use of other tax-funded forensic resources.

AFIS has been an asset to victims, defendants, and the community since 1986. Vote Yes to renew funding for this important technology that keeps our communities safe.