Electronic Fingerprinting…effective March 1st

[KC5AV]

I wonder what DPS has to gain from this being that L-1 is not the only e-fingerprinting business
I had mine done a place in Garland next door to Handgun Academy.

As it was explained to me, L-1 Identity Solutions was the only company that was able to meet the state's requirements for data security. There were a couple other reasons why they chose L-1, but I can't remember them right now.

I appreciate all the comments, but I was hoping to get some possible solutions for the issues I originally posted. Here they are again…

1. What can be done for those who can't make it during work week and the closest L-1 locations are not open on the weekend?

2. What can be done for the people who don't live close to an L-1 location and don't have the means for travel? Texas is a big state and I'm quite certain there are places where people will have to travel 90 miles or so to get to an L-1 location.

3. What can be done to get L-1 to allow more businesses to offer this service? FYI…I'm aware of a couple businesses that wanted to offer the electronic fingerprinting and L-1 turned them down because they already had another location within 20 miles or so. I'm not sure of the exact criteria, but it was something like that.

I'm afraid the only answer to number 1 will be to take a day or a half a day off from work.
Number2? I got nothing. Maybe bum a ride from a friend or relative.
Number3? The range where I instruct is one of those places.
I can only hope that after a year or so, the state will start to notice the number of complaints that roll in, and will either mandate that L-1 accept more franchises, provide better hours, or go back to accepting rolled prints. I don't expect either of those things to happen.

[nyj]

I had mine done at L-1 yesterday and the machine gave a percentage rate for each print (95% PASS, 75% needed to pass). Dunno how the DPS could reject them if they pass on the machine.

I hear what you're saying, OP. I had to reschedule once because of my work schedule. They're hours aren't that great, especially the closing at 4:30 part.

[Oldgringo]

I had mine done at L-1 yesterday and the machine gave a percentage rate for each print (95% PASS, 75% needed to pass). Dunno how the DPS could reject them if they pass on the machine.

I hear what you're saying, OP. I had to reschedule once because of my work schedule. They're hours aren't that great, especially the closing at 4:30 part.

If they have a monopoly on the state required services, they can set their own hours. Just sayin'...

[baldeagle]

I wonder what DPS has to gain from this being that L-1 is not the only e-fingerprinting business
I had mine done a place in Garland next door to Handgun Academy.

As it was explained to me, L-1 Identity Solutions was the only company that was able to meet the state's requirements for data security. There were a couple other reasons why they chose L-1, but I can't remember them right now.

I appreciate all the comments, but I was hoping to get some possible solutions for the issues I originally posted. Here they are again…

1. What can be done for those who can't make it during work week and the closest L-1 locations are not open on the weekend?

2. What can be done for the people who don't live close to an L-1 location and don't have the means for travel? Texas is a big state and I'm quite certain there are places where people will have to travel 90 miles or so to get to an L-1 location.

3. What can be done to get L-1 to allow more businesses to offer this service? FYI…I'm aware of a couple businesses that wanted to offer the electronic fingerprinting and L-1 turned them down because they already had another location within 20 miles or so. I'm not sure of the exact criteria, but it was something like that.

I think it's hard for most of us to answer these sorts of questions. L-1 provides online scheduling, so no matter where you live in the state you can arrange an appointment that's convenient for you (as convenient as possible.) According to their locations list they have a number of locations that accept Saturday appointments. If scheduling an appointment is difficult or impossible for someone, then I think that individual would have to contact DPS and ask for advice on how to proceed. Hopefully DPS has some useful suggestions for those sorts of folks. After all, they are the ones mandating the use of L-1 for fingerprints.

[C-dub]

Do renewals have to submit prints again? I have done one renewal, but it was a few years ago and I don't remember if I did or not. I did my original and renewal class at The Bullet Trap with inked prints and have not been asked to have them redone.

If getting L-1 prints done is so difficult, does anyone think this requirement could be eliminated if someone were to challenge it in court?

[sjfcontrol]

Do renewals have to submit prints again? I have done one renewal, but it was a few years ago and I don't remember if I did or not. I did my original and renewal class at The Bullet Trap with inked prints and have not been asked to have them redone.

If getting L-1 prints done is so difficult, does anyone think this requirement could be eliminated if someone were to challenge it in court?

Renewals do NOT need prints or pictures, unless requested by DPS (or the applicant wants a new picture).

[Mastodon]

Do renewals have to submit prints again? I have done one renewal, but it was a few years ago and I don't remember if I did or not. I did my original and renewal class at The Bullet Trap with inked prints and have not been asked to have them redone.

If getting L-1 prints done is so difficult, does anyone think this requirement could be eliminated if someone were to challenge it in court?

Renewals do NOT need prints or pictures, unless requested by DPS (or the applicant wants a new picture).

I was just about to ask this.

Thanks goodness they do not. I live in a remote area.

[wally775]

IMO

The DPS gets to receive prints in a manner that is consistent in presentation and accuracy
for their needs. It cuts down on the need to receive and handle additional paperwork and any type of storage for any amount of time. It is easier to hit delete or send than it is to shred or mail. In their mind it reduces cost and accelerates turnaround. The process isn’t perfect but it is easier than it used to be in the past. It will not always be the best for everyone but when fully implemented I believe (hope) it will speed up the process.
I also cannot believe there will not be a special needs process.

What you might not know is L-1 is Identix.
Identix makes the equipment. They are a biometrics technology company.
They are not unique to Texas. They make the equipment
L-1 uses and they are the actual holder of the contract with the state.
The equipment is not cheap. Even if they were to give a CHL instructor the franchise to
use the equipment the ROI at $10.00 a pop would be a long time coming. Most of us would not participate.
AIUI you have to be an operating storefront business to even apply for the L-1
franchise. That business needs to be involved in some type of related business activity.
Identix wants their equipment used for more than just processing CHL prints.

The total value of the contract in the world of state contracts and biometric technology
is not that enticing to the small number of companies that could even qualify to bid. I
think the landscape may change but not likely in the near future.

As to specific answers to the OP three questions I think they will have to come from DPS.

Just my thoughts based on what little (clearly demonstrated) knowledge I have.

JMHO, NASE, FWIW

[MasterOfNone]

It would be nice if DPS would push the electronic prints idea to all law enforcement. It makes so much sense for locals to be able to take electronic prints for all the same reasons that it helps the CHL process. If the electronic equipment were used by local LE, even if just each county could do it, it would address much of the concern about access to L-1.

[ZeeMan]

my L-1 location is the local school dist. office.....they ONLY take appts. tuesday from 9-5 ......

[Oldgringo]

What happened to the FAST electronic fingerprint folk?

(I wouldn't be askin' if it wasn't too cold to go outside and shoot or fish or somethin'. )

[sjfcontrol]

FAST and L-1 are the same outfit (AFAICT)