Fingerprinting has long remained a reliable way of identifying individuals and collecting their background information. While a name or address can change over time or be the same for two or more people, a person’s fingerprints remain unique forever. The process can be done manually or with the help of an electronic scanner.
What is the Purpose of Fingerprinting?
The main purposes of fingerprinting are to investigate criminal records or to conduct a background check according to statutory or civil authority. Criminal fingerprints help track individuals for their criminal actions and to collect information on criminal history reports for job applicants. On the other hand, civil fingerprints help with pre-employment, checking licensing requirements, and other state-authorized purposes.
Using fingerprinting, investigators associate one crime scene with another involving the same individual. It also enables them to track a criminal’s previous convictions and arrests, which helps in probation, parole, pardoning, and sentencing decisions. This helps bring criminals to justice and restores peace in society.
Fingerprinting in Pleasanton, CA
Depending on your needs and budget, you can find a range of fingerprinting services in Pleasanton, CA. These include:
Fingerprint Cards
Fingerprint cards are a traditional method that is still used in countries around the world. The process has mostly remained unchanged, and its process involves using ink or a live scan of the fingerprint, and the card is then sent for processing to a central database. However, this method is largely paper-based and manual.
Electronic Fingerprinting
Electronic fingerprinting is a 100% digital solution that brings more automation to the entire process. A person’s fingerprints are captured digitally and used to conduct a thorough criminal record search of a federal or state database. Electronic fingerprinting is a quick, accurate, and hassle-free solution that is widely used for high-security operations, such as:
FBI Fingerprinting
FBI fingerprinting is used in many areas, including international adoption, court-related matters, student visas, foreign travel, personal review, and lawyer requests. It involves an Authorized Recipient (AR). The federal executive or federal statute authorizes this governmental or non-governmental entity to take fingerprinting results on behalf of a prospective employee. They use the information to determine their suitability for the task (for example, employment).
FBI fingerprinting can investigate a person’s criminal history and reveal any shady activities associated with their name.
FINRA Fingerprinting
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is a private corporation that regulates exchange markets and brokerage firms that conducts strict background checks. FINRA fingerprinting uses an Electronic Fingerprint Submissions (EFS) mechanism via 13 certified vendors, such as GM Defense.
The vendor offers a secure connection through which fingerprints can be electronically submitted to the FINRA database, and the results are returned through the FINRA CRD. Electronic submissions result in quicker processing times, premium-quality fingerprints, lower rejection rates, and reduced fingerprinting fees.
Fingerprint Cards vs. Electronic Fingerprinting: Which one is better for you?
Every business has different needs, goals, and budgets when picking the elements of their background screening. But the bottom line is that background checks must be fast, accurate, and efficient. If you are looking for fingerprinting services in Pleasanton, CA, you should take into account the following factors:
- Turnaround time – If you want a quicker turnaround time, you can dramatically benefit from electronic fingerprinting.
- Technology integration – Electronic fingerprinting can be easily integrated with other platforms and databases, making sending fingerprints and receiving the results back easier.
- Budget – If you are on a tight budget, conventional fingerprint cards may be a more viable option for your business. Fingerprint cards that use live scan technology to capture your fingerprints and then print them onto a card are efficient and lead to zero waste.
- Accuracy – Some businesses cannot compromise on precision regarding fingerprinting. If you want to avoid the risk of smudging, under-inking, and smearing, then it’s better to choose either fingerprint cards that use live fingerprint scans or go for electronic fingerprinting entirely.
Before buying a fingerprinting solution, it is best to study your business needs, preferences, and budget so you can benefit both in the short and long term.
Final Thoughts
Fingerprinting is normally required for civil and criminal background checks. Depending on your industry, its requirements may differ. The process is crucial for helping create safer workplaces, improving your safety footprint, minimizing risk, and protecting sensitive customer data.
Whether you are looking for a live scan solution, onsite mobile fingerprinting, or apostille services, GM Defense can help. Get in touch with us today for more information.
Leave a Reply