Biometric technology is a critical force multiplier that leverages state-of-the art rapid identification technologies to support the NCIS core missions of counterintelligence, counterterrorism and criminal investigations.  The NCIS Biometrics Division performs a full range of activities including device acquisition and management, operations development and support, biometrics training, and biometric-enabled intelligence analysis.

 NCIS integrates biometrics into operations around the globe providing powerful capabilities to identify persons of potential intelligence and national security interest.  For example, the NCIS Biometrics Division deploys portable biometrics devices to high risk mission areas such as Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.  These portable devices capture face, fingerprint, and iris images at field locations and then transmit the data for vetting against 270+ million US identity records.  NCIS is able to automatically search the DoD's Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Information System (IAFIS), and DHS's Automated Biometric IDENTification System (IDENT), as well as other systems.  This supports NCIS personnel to rapidly determine whether a subject is a person of interest, terrorist, pirate, or possibly someone enrolled to provide support to US forces overseas.