What is Live Scan Fingerprinting and How Does it Work?

Live scan fingerprinting is a modern technology used for capturing and digitally transmitting fingerprints. It has largely replaced traditional ink and paper fingerprinting methods in many law enforcement and government agencies because it is more efficient, accurate, and less messy.

Here’s how live scan fingerprinting works:

1. Digital Capture: Instead of using ink and paper, live scan systems use a special digital scanner to capture an individual’s fingerprints. The person being fingerprinted places their fingers on a glass surface, and the scanner takes high-resolution images of their fingerprints.
2. Image Processing: The captured fingerprint images are processed by the live scan system’s software to enhance their quality and clarity. This step helps ensure that the resulting fingerprint images are suitable for identification purposes.
3. Transmittal: Once the fingerprint images are processed, they can be transmitted electronically to law enforcement agencies, government databases, or other authorized entities for background checks, criminal history searches, or other purposes. This eliminates the need to physically mail or deliver fingerprint cards.

Live scan fingerprinting offers several advantages over traditional fingerprinting methods:

• Accuracy: Live scan systems produce high-quality fingerprint images, reducing the likelihood of errors and smudging commonly associated with ink and paper fingerprinting.
• Efficiency: The digital capture and transmission of fingerprints are faster and more convenient than manual methods, which can save time and resources.
• Electronic Storage: The digital fingerprint records can be easily stored, searched, and retrieved in electronic databases, making it easier to manage and maintain records.
• Reduced Mess: Since there’s no ink involved, live scan fingerprinting is cleaner and less messy for both the person being fingerprinted and the technician.

Live scan fingerprinting is commonly used for various purposes, including background checks for employment, licensing, adoption, and criminal investigations. It has become a standard method for capturing and processing fingerprints in many countries.