Fingerprinting is a key element of any background check program. Whether looking to speed up results, improve comprehensiveness or streamline your process, fingerprinting services can help you achieve your goals.
Ink & Roll
Fingerprints can be used to determine an individual’s background, which is important for many reasons. Some examples include applying for a job, submitting to a criminal record search, and obtaining citizenship in other countries. In addition, fingerprints are often required for nursing/medical licenses, bar exams, mental health, and various government clearances. Regardless of the reason, there are several options for fingerprinting services. The ink and roll method is the most common way to take fingerprints. It involves placing the individuals’ fingers on an ink pad and rolling them across a piece of paper until the entire surface area is covered with ink, which takes a few seconds. The prints are then scanned and saved onto an electronic file. Ink fingerprints are the standard form of fingerprinting for RCMP criminal record searches, police certificate requests sent to foreign countries and some high-level security screenings. This process can be untidy when the ink smears or fails to properly capture the fingerprint’s ridge characteristics. Ink fingerprints can also be time-consuming as the process must be repeated if the fingerprints are unusable.
Live Scan
Live scan fingerprinting uses digital technology to capture a person’s fingerprints which are then stored as an electronic image. It makes the process much faster, cleaner and more efficient than traditional ink and roll fingerprinting. There are several reasons why an individual would be required to get their digital fingerprint done, including licensing and employment applications, security clearances and immigration matters. Previously, ink-based fingerprint impressions were the only way for this purpose. However, that has changed thanks to the innovation of technology and the availability of live scan fingerprinting equipment.
Generally, an individual will need to fill out a form or application provided by the agency for which they are applying and provide some form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. They must then go to a local live scan service provider. The operator will then take four-finger slaps and the thumb (flat scans) from each hand and submit them to the appropriate state or federal agency for processing. Unlike ink-based submissions, live scan fingerprinting is a completely paperless process, meaning the results are delivered significantly quicker and with fewer errors, such as those caused by human error when submitting ink prints. It also saves on paper which is a resource that can be scarce. In addition, using less form helps the environment as it cuts down on tree cutting to produce more report and reduces waste left behind.
Plastic
Fingerprints can be collected from a person for several reasons, including employment, licensing, or security clearance. Generally, fingerprints are captured with an electronic scanner and digitized. Records are then submitted to the state or federal government for verification and matching. These records can be used for background checks, immigration and citizenship purposes, and criminal searches. During crime scene investigations, officers may encounter surfaces that contain latent or patent prints. A latent image is an impression left by a fingernail on a soft surface (such as soap, wax, blood, wet paint or fresh caulk). A patent print is impressed into a hard surface (like wood, glass or metal). To make these types of images visible, they must be enhanced with various chemicals and techniques.
The process is often referred to as “dusting for prints.” There are many ways to develop a latent fingerprint, but spraying the area of interest with a chemical is the most common. SPR contains a suspension of fine molybdenum disulfide particles in a detergent solution that adheres to the fatty components found in latent prints and creates a gray or white deposit when drained. When using this method, it is important to use latex or sterile gloves and chemical safety goggles.
Electronic
Fingerprinting services are an important element of a comprehensive background check program. They offer several benefits that can help an organization reduce turnaround times, improve the accuracy of results, and utilize the latest technology to make their fingerprinting process more efficient. A major benefit of electronic fingerprinting is that it provides higher image quality. Fingerprint images are captured using an electronic scanner, which electronically transmits them to CJIS and, if necessary, the FBI for a national criminal record check (NBCR). The software in the live scan device checks the image quality during the scanning process and alerts the technician if there is an issue with the print quality. It eliminates the need to return for a new fingerprinting appointment, saving time and money.
Another advantage of electronic processing is that it can be completed in a shorter period than the traditional ink-and-roll method. An average live scan session takes about 15 minutes. It means applicants can meet their fingerprinting requirement in less than a day, allowing for a more timely background check. Electronic submissions can be transmitted directly to the SIB via secure telecommunication, resulting in faster turnaround times for criminal history results. It also results in fewer errors when the SIB enters the data.
