Electronic fingerprints equipment and software

[Charles L. Cotton]

Do any of you instructors use or know anything about electronic fingerprint scanners and software? I'm tired of ink print problems and I'd like to get the equipment/software to do it electronically. I've done a search, but can't find anything. There's a bunch of site dealing with biometric security and access to PCs, but nothing for my application.

Thanks,
Chas.

[OverEasy]

Chas,
You might call DPS. I think they contract some security company to do the prints electronicly. I'm not sure if just anybody can do it.
Regards, OE

[Greybeard]

Coincidently, I e-mailed Marion Stahl on 9-11-08 asking about the same. And have got no reply. On 9-22, I did some research on my own and subsequently sent an e-mail to Kristie.Romer@crossmatch.com (Sales rep for several southern states) and have also still got no reply.

There is a new guy here on the forum who goes by the name (I think) "fingerprintguy". It seems like I recall seeing in one of his posts maybe mention of sales of a small portable device - but, IIRC from his few posts, even he - in the business - might not be able to afford it for a while.

I had a student out yesterday who had his prints done electronically at the Lewisville PD. There was a line on at least one of the cards that indicated something to the effect of "Cross Match", so I suspect it's the same equipment sold by the gal above - at least if she ever gets back to people!

edited to add:

In locating a file I'd started, it looks like I printed out info, on the CrossMatch Technologies "L Scan 500P". And Kristie Romer phone numbers 866-260-2763 and (cell) 561-252-0110. I just called and got her voice mail and did leave my cell number requesting a return call.

I'd also printed out web page from "fingerprint guy" of http://www.applicantfingerprintingservices.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. There is a short paragraph there to the effect of "Live Scan sales and training" and "digID mini - the world's smallest portable live scan". 817-694-7093.

another edit: ' Just got off the phone with David at number above. I suggested he might want to post here about some of the things we discussed. Bottom Line: Mucho dinero for most. Purchase by me just now would certainly be emotion over reason.

[fingerprintguy]

Greetings forum members,

I attempted to post to this thread last night but it appears that I was the short curcuit between the floor and the keyboard and I didn't do it properly. Although I am not a CHL instructor, I am a mobile inked fingerprinter in the DFW area and I often assist CHL instructors with fingeprinting and/or questions that they may have. Live Scan information is rapidly becoming a new part of my service and the current trend in fingerprinting. I am sure that most CHl instructors are aware of the F.A.S.T. locations authorized by DPS to collect and transmit electronic fingerprints. They are the only private entity allowed to provide electronic submission. This does not preclude someone from purchasing a live scan and printing out their cards. The Texas Handgun Academy in Dallas already has a live scan and prints their cards.

A live scan is basically an optical scanner that records the fingerprint details and digitizes the information instead of using the traditional black printers ink. Most persons can learn to roll live scan prints with just a few hours of training. You start by entering the personal info manually or with an optional driver's license card reader that will automatically populate the info required on the card. Fingerprints are then rolled on the glass platen,in order, just like you would roll inked prints onto a card. The software program then does a quality check and you have the option to accept or deny the print. If the print is of good quality and you accept the print you go on to the next finger. If the print is no good, then you deny the print and reroll it. Then you print the cards, sign them and have the student sign them. It is very exciting equipment and software, ok, maybe only to fingerprint people. Rejections are reduced due to the quality control software and the ability to reprint immediately. DPS estimates that rejections are less than 2% with live scan vs. 25% with traditional ink. However, rejections happen with any method. DPS would like to see all prints submitted electronically but we all know this is not even possible with the current F.A.S.T. contract. Last year there were @87000 new CHLs issued, this doesn't even include renewals. There are way too many CHL applications for this to happen at this time without even taking into consideration al lthe other licenses that must be submitted electronically.

There a many companies that provide very good products but just like with what Greybeard experienced, getting them to call is another story. The "big guys" do not always care to deal with the "little guy" and often times calls are not returned as they opt for the larger goverment contracts. Cross Match is one of the pioneers of live scan technolgy and Kristie Romer is very good at what she does,Jason Boothe at L1 Identity Solutions (sister company to IBT./F.A.S.T.) is also very good. Juan Flores at Mentalix (Plano, TX) has very good products also, same with Cogent, they all have FBI certified products. I have communicated with all of them and I think that any of them could provide you with a quality product. I found one company that has a very impressive and portable live scan device that I find truly fascintating. That company is i3- Identification International, Inc. They are a small company in Blacksburg, VA that manufactures the digID line of live scans. It its my understanding that they recently placed a device in the Houston Airport. I found their digiD mini to be quite impressive and truly portable. They bill it as the world's most portable live scan. If you are in the market for a live scan I can assist you in getting in contact with someone and help you find the right package.

I am sure the biggest question everyone has is the price. Depending on the company/options/package that you select, the price could be anywhere from $12-15K to over $30K. This is the main reason that all electronic submission is not feasible here in Texas at this time. I have been petitioning the live scan companies to develop a "Texas CHL Instructor" package that could be affordable to all. I have not heard of any such packages at this time but I do know they are working on something. I have been contacted by a few Handgun Academies and gun ranges that run a high volume of classes about more information on live scans. They could be well served by a live scan by improving their service and reducing their rejections.

If anyone has more questions I would be happy to talk with you or point you in the right direction for the info that you seek.

Thanks,
David Mallen
http://www.applicantfingerprintingservices.com
http://www.digitalfingerprintservices.com

[gpeloq]

Do any of you instructors use or know anything about electronic fingerprint scanners and software? I'm tired of ink print problems and I'd like to get the equipment/software to do it electronically. I've done a search, but can't find anything. There's a bunch of site dealing with biometric security and access to PCs, but nothing for my application.

Thanks,
Chas.

Charles,
I just received this from the people who produce the equipment for "Fast Print". I did not get a brochure yet but if your interested let me know and I will forward to you. The equipment is still a little expensive for me. When I originally spoke with them it was $18,300.

Glenn,
We have a new 4100 product that is much smaller and a bit more affordable. You’re still looking around $15K but you will not be able to transmit to the state. I attached a product brochure and copied my Inside Sales Manager, Scott Olson. Please feel free to reach out to either of us for help.

Thanks!