Ink fingerprinting is a traditional method of fingerprinting. It involves pressing the finger pads in ink and then rolling them on a fingerprint card. The advancements in technology have allowed many organizations to forgo the traditional ink method of fingerprinting and instead use live scan fingerprinting.
Live scanning is the process of capturing and saving a person’s fingerprints digitally. The digital fingerprints will then be transmitted to the FBI and/or a state repository. Live scan technology allows fingerprint technicians to take a print several times to capture the best possible image.
Live scan fingerprinting is now being used by many law-enforcement agencies, police departments, and other organizations to improve the accuracy of prints and to assist in investigations. Here are a few things you should know before using this technology.
How does Live Scan Fingerprinting work?
The live scan technology for fingerprinting allows you to scan the fingerprints of a person using an electronic scanner. The system also stores their personal information, which is then electronically sent to the state or federal agency that will process the case.
Live scan fingerprinting can be used to obtain accurate information on a person’s identity or perform background checks. Live scan fingerprinting is 100% electronic. No more ink smudges.
How is Live Scan Fingerprinting used?
The use of live scan fingerprinting in organizations and agencies throughout the country is varied. Digital fingerprinting is now a standard step in the application process for professional licenses such as those for medical, attorney, and contractor licenses.
This is often required for the application of certain permits or certifications. For example, a petition to adopt a child or a permit for concealed weapons. Live scan fingerprinting may be required for certain volunteer positions or job applications. This is especially true in educational settings.
What do you need for live Scan Fingerprinting?
A person must first complete the Request for Live Scan Submittal form. The requesting agency will usually provide this form, but they may also give instructions on how to get it.
The next step is to submit identification such as a valid driving license. Some other types of photo identification, like a U.S. passport or foreign passport, may be accepted, but they may require another form of ID.
There is usually a charge for performing live scan fingerprinting. The operator of the live scan may charge a rolling fee that includes the use service. The live scanner operator can also collect a fee from the state’s Department of Justice.
Live Scan Fingerprinting: Benefits
Live scan fingerprinting is quickly becoming the preferred method for obtaining your fingerprints. This technology has many benefits, particularly for law enforcement. These benefits include:
- Fast results – Traditional ink fingerprinting would require the results to be manually sent by hand to the agency or department to process, which could take several days. The results of live scan fingerprinting can be sent electronically within seconds, and the processing is much faster. Law enforcement can streamline their investigations and obtain the data needed for proper identification.
- More Clarity – The live scan fingerprinting method has been shown to produce cleaner results than traditional ink fingerprinting. Digital fingerprinting is less likely to be affected by human error because it does not use ink.
- Convenient transmission – The live scan fingerprints can be performed electronically. This means that fingerprint images can be transmitted electronically. With just a few button clicks, the precise scans can easily be sent to the correct agency or department.
- Eco-Friendly – Many U.S. agencies are taking steps to be more environmentally aware. Live scan fingerprinting is one-way law enforcement can help the environment. Digital fingerprints can eliminate the need to print fingerprint cards and save resources.
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