The central Cal-ID system uses minutiae matching technology, an image system, and a networking capability for law enforcement agency access to California Department of Justice data bases. The paper describes Cal-ID's five major components: a master name index, the automated fingerprint identification system, the automated latent print system, the digital image retrieval system, and communication lines that connect local law enforcement agencies with Cal-ID databases. Examples of dead-end homicide cases cracked by the latent print system are included, as are details on communications equipment. The system's backbone is its ability to share its data base with agencies anywhere in the world. The value of the automated latent print system, issues relating to the accuracy of computer searching, and the costs of computerization in terms of both staffing and benefits to the entire criminal justice system are discussed. Lessons learned from California's experience in developing an automated system are explored.