Fingerprint cards submitted to the FBI come from which source?

Fingerprint cards submitted to the FBI primarily come from state law enforcement agencies. These agencies are responsible for collecting fingerprint data as part of criminal investigations, background checks, and various law enforcement processes. They ensure that the fingerprints are properly recorded and submitted to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which maintains a national database of criminal fingerprints.

The role of state law enforcement agencies is crucial as they act as the primary link between the local level and federal fingerprint databases. This system enables efficient sharing of criminal records across jurisdictions and enhances the ability of law enforcement agencies to identify suspects, solve cases, and maintain public safety. While federal agencies and private organizations may also handle fingerprint data, it is the state law enforcement agencies that predominantly facilitate the submission of these cards to the FBI.