ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) _ A Maryland board is scheduled to consider a contract extension for the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

The Board of Public Works is meeting on Wednesday in Annapolis.

The fingerprint system captures, processes and manages fingerprints of criminals, criminal suspects and non-criminals.

The company 3M Cogent Inc. supports the system. The board will consider extending the contract for two years and adding a one-year renewal option.

The state’s corrections department has determined the contract extension is essential to continuing the on-site staff support. However, the department recognizes the existing infrastructure of the system is aging and must be replaced. The department will plan for a replacement during the contract extension period.