The Importance Of Ink Fingerprinting In A Technological Age

While digital fingerprinting may be more convenient, the need for ink and roll prints still exists.

The art of fingerprint taking has come a very long way with the advent of computerized digital fingerprinting. Scanning prints directly into the computer is less time consuming, more cost effective, less messy and requires less storage space which makes it quite popular. This, however, in no way negates the importance of, or the need for, ink card fingerprinting. In fact, there are several instances that actually require ink cards rather than digital prints.

Ink fingerprinting is generally required for out-of-state or out-of-country purposes. Individuals applying for jobs in another state must submit ink fingerprints for the completion of background checks. Potential employers submit these cards to obtain criminal histories from other states or countries where an applicant may have resided in the past. Ink fingerprints are also require by the FBI if an individual requests that their federal criminal history be sent directly to them.

Another instance requiring ink fingerprints is when applying for out-of-state professional licenses. Doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and any other profession that requires a license to practice must submit an ink fingerprint card for background checking when applying to practice in another state. Other professions require that fingerprint cards be carried on the person; however, this primarily applies to those employed in customs, immigration and border patrol. Individuals applying for Visas are also required to submit ink fingerprints for the purposes of background checks.

One of the most important reasons why ink fingerprinting is still important in an age of technology is security clearance. Since 9/11, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has developed the State and Local Law Enforcement Executives and Elected Officials Security Clearance Initiative. This initiative grants security clearance to state and local officials for the purpose of sharing “need-to-know” classified information that could affect their jurisdiction. Access to classified materials requires officials to apply for security clearance which includes submission of two FBI applicant fingerprint cards.

While digital fingerprinting is fast becoming the norm, ink cards are still the standard for employment clearances inside and outside the United States, for visa and immigration purposes within the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and for Police Clearance Certificates within the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fortunately, both digital and ink fingerprinting is easily available from private companies, law enforcement agencies, USCIS and other locations. For more information on why ink fingerprinting is still important in an age of technology and to find an ink fingerprinting service in La Mesa, visit this website.