Many agencies have a livescan device used to fingerprint individuals. In and of itself, a livescan device can provide several benefits including:

¨      Eliminates messy fingerprinting with ink

¨      Eliminates duplicate keying

¨      Real-time verification of fingerprint quality

¨      Correct bad prints easier

¨      Eliminates dual fingerprinting for FBI

¨      Fingerprint once – generate multiple cards/copies

¨      Reduces physical contact with inmate

¨       Prompt screening for prior criminal record

¨       Immediate update of criminal record

¨       Provides the infrastructure for submitting mugshots, scars, marks and tattoos to the Michigan State Police Statewide Network of Agency Photos (SNAP)

However these are only a small portion of the potential benefits that are available through electronic submission of livescan records.

Electronic submission of livescan records to the state database provides additional benefits including:

¨      Quick ID/Positive ID:

¨      Helps law enforcement ensure positive identification of apprehended offenders

¨      Helps employers reduce delays in background checks and hiring criminal justice employees, school personnel, security guards, etc. (State and FBI responses within 24 hours)

¨      Helps Department of Corrections ensure inmate identity prior to release.

¨      Helps Department of Corrections verify open warrants/holds prior to inmate release.

¨      Helps law enforcement validate prior contact and pending charges at time of arrest.

¨      Paperless Environment:

¨      One time data entry:

è     Enter arrest information at booking

è     Transfers to livescan

è     Transfers to MSP and updates criminal history

è     Transfers to Prosecuting Attorney who adds charging information

è     Transfers to MSP and updates criminal history

¨      Eliminates:

¨      Re-entry of data at livescan device

¨      Entry of data at MSP by data coding operators

¨      Fingerprint cards

¨      Manual reporting by Prosecuting Attorney

¨      Timely Reporting:

¨      IMMEDIATELY updates the individual’s criminal history record with arrest data (at the time of arrest).

¨      Provides more accurate criminal history information for prosecutor charging decisions.

¨      Provides a more “complete” picture for the court when setting bail and making sentencing decisions.

¨      More accurate and up-to-date criminal history records for applicant searches such as CCW, private security, schools, nursing homes, etc.

¨      Other Benefits:

¨      Reduce liability resulting from releasing a wanted person who gave a false name.

¨      Avoid potential lawsuits by positive ID before incarcerating.

¨      Identify suspects in other crimes when fingerprints are checked against unsolved latent fingerprint database.