Sunday 29 June 2014

Live-Scan Fingerprinting Saves Time And Improves Accuracy

By Sherry Gross


Traditional methods of personal identification based on skin patterns have been used since 1858. The procedure normally requires pressing a single digit onto an ink pad, and then rolling it on a piece of paper to create an outline of fingertip ridges. Getting a good image may require several attempts, and ink-stains are a common hazard. Live-scan fingerprinting eliminates the mess and increases accuracy.

Few individuals have never had their prints copied at some point during their lives, and many people express concerns about easy government and corporate access to their personal identity and linked information. While any system carries the potential for abuse, the digital process is the next logical step in upgrading current, existing databases, and making them more quickly accessible when circumstances require a quick solution.

Although they sound new, digital identification methods have existed for years. Biometrics, or the instant analysis of personal physical appearance, is already available to law enforcement agencies, and is vital to many advanced security setups. Eye features are compared during retinal scans, and ears are also being used similarly. Computerized vocal recording analysis is a necessary tool, and DNA is a well-known personal marker.

Most people do not pursue a criminal career, but there are times when this type of check becomes necessary. Anyone who has ever worked in a government job, such as the census, has probably undergone a background examination based on old-fashioned ink-print method. Job categories requiring some form of data-base identification include most medical and security fields, teachers, pilots, and many others.

Because big data samples every Internet session or phone conversation, it is easy to fear a huge, connected information base containing a personal history. In reality, a universal, transparent system that is available to all branches of government or business does not yet exist on a practical level. Privacy laws currently prevent unrestricted sharing of confidential information. Each request requires another live scan.

The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) can retrieve prints nationwide in as little as a half hour, and together with mug shots and criminal records can identify nearly fifty million people. Non-law enforcement uses include the issuing of various licenses, social service applications, and employment screenings. The digital machines performing this function look a little like a printer or desktop copier.

It is not possible to access the current system simply by buying a used device over the Internet. In many states, purchases must be made through approved vendors, and information transmitted incorrectly is blocked. The components of this system include a specially designed print or palm scanner, a computer loaded with special software, appropriate network access and security, and the proper training of operators.

This technology eliminates the wait-period of three to eight weeks common when older methods are used. Digital scanning is not only quicker, but is far more accurate. Any errors that do affect the original are detected and re-imaged immediately, often at no additional cost. For the customer, the experience takes less than five minutes, and there are no ugly stains. Waiting in line is nearly eliminated, and results often arrive in two days.




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