The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced that it intends to replace its Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), reports the La Junta Tribune Democrat.

The 20-year old system contains almost 2.7 million master fingerprint records and is one of the oldest statewide law enforcement agency systems in the U.S. and can no longer keep up with demand. The system was designed to process 700 fingerprint cards in a 24 hour period, but today 1,000 to 1,500 fingerprint cards are put through the system.

The CBI’s new system will improve criminal offender identification, as well as enable officers and agencies to remove innocent people from a search. The new system will also enable palm print reading and eventually incorporate other biometric measures, including fingerprints, palm prints and iris scans.

The CBI intends to have the new system implemented by January 2013. Read more here.