Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site.
Skip Navigation
Michigan State PoliceMichigan.gov, Official Website for the State of Michigan
Michigan.gov HomeMSP Home | Online Services | FAQ | MSP Site Map | Contact MSP
Printer Friendly Version Printer Friendly   Text Only Version Text Version  Share this page.
Live Scan Goals and Benefits

Many agencies have a Live Scan device used to fingerprint individuals.  In and of itself, a Live Scan 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 mug shots, palm prints, 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 Live Scan records.

Electronic submission of Live Scan 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 in the hiring of criminal justice employees, school personnel, security guards, etc. (State and FBI responses within 24 hours)
  • Helps the Department of Corrections ensure inmate identity prior to release
  • Helps the Department of Corrections verify open warrants/holds prior to inmate release
  • Helps the law enforcement validate prior contact and pending charges at time of arrest

Paperless Environment:

  • One time data entry:
    • Enter arrest information at booking
    • Transfers to Live Scan
    • Transfers to MSP and updates criminal history records
    • Transfers to prosecuting attorney who adds charging information
  • Eliminates:
    • Re-entry of data at Live Scan 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
  • Provides 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

 

Related Content
 •  LEIN Validations
 •  Uniform Law Citation, Commercial Law Citation, and Citation Book Cover
 •  Michigan Speed Measurement Task Force Feedback Form
 •  Michigan Speed Measurement Task Force Replacement Certificate Request Form
 •  Criminal Justice Information Center
 •  Forensic Science Division
 •  Criminal Justice Information Center Related Sites
 •  Traffic Crash Reporting Information
 •  LEIN and Criminal History Records - Inappropriate Access
 •  "Repeat Offender" for Law Enforcement PDF icon
 •  LEIN Field Services
 •  Enforcement Records Section

Michigan.gov Home | MSP Home | Contact MSP | State Web Sites | Office of Regulatory Reinvention
Privacy Policy | Link Policy | Accessibility Policy | Security Policy | Michigan News | Michigan.gov Survey

Copyright © 2001-2012 State of Michigan