What Is Livescan?

 Livescan is a digital system that captures images of fingerprints. Individuals and organizations generally use Livescan to obtain background checks for law enforcement and employment. For example, the Department of Justice in the United States uses the Livescan system for all fingerprinting. Many law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom also utilize this system. Livescan is also a faster and more efficient system than digital fingerprint systems.

 The Benefits of Livescan

As one of many options for collecting fingerprints, Livescan offers a few benefits over other systems. Livescan carries the benefit of a digital scan. As such, it does not involve any ink and results in a cleaner and more accurate fingerprint result. As a digital record, Livescan fingerprints are also protected against disruptions in quality that may result from transporting or storing fingerprint images.

Livescan and Security

 Another benefit of the Livescan fingerprint system relates to security. As a digital record, Livescan adds a layer of protection to fingerprint records that helps to prevent the unauthorized access of fingerprint information. In other words, Livescan provides more security than traditional ink and paper fingerprint records. Additionally, this allows states and other government entities to protect the fingerprint records using both federal and state privacy laws. Further, as digital records, handlers have more control over who gains access to the fingerprints, and have more secure storage options.

 Livescan Requirements

 When you go to a Livescan location for fingerprinting, you will need to pay the fee associated with the service. This fee varies depending on the area and agency taking the fingerprints. You must also obtain an official request for the record in order to get your fingerprints taken using the Livescan system. The agencies that offer Livescan services cannot obtain these forms for you, so you must get this record request form from the source that is requesting your fingerprints.