Why Fingerprints Are Used For Background Checks

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Fingerprints have become the primary investigative tool of government at all levels for background checks of individuals in connection with immigration, employment and general security clearance.

The universal use of fingerprints is based on their being precise, and relatively inexpensive. Fingerprints can be submitted digitally or by hard copy ink to police agencies. fingerprinting services nyc The most common result is a clearance certificate stating there are no recorded charges or convictions.

What this means in most cases is that your prints are not on file with the particular police agency thus no match is possible and a valid assumption is made that you have never been charged or convicted of a crime in their jurisdiction.

A conviction recorded on a clearance certificate is not necessarily an impediment to immigration, employment etc. and this matter can be discussed with a legal professional as to the best method of resolution including a pardon etc.

Few people realize that fingerprints are impressions of friction ridges on all parts of the finger and while it is universally accepted that no two fingerprints are identical even fingerprints taken from the same individual, one immediately one after the other will have differences.

This is caused by the flexibility of friction skin ridges and the influence of various factors including deposition pressures, slippage, and epidermal pliability. Nevertheless, there are sufficient algorithmic points of comparison that still allow for the unique fingerprints of any individual.

As a laboratory that specializes in DNA analysis and fingerprinting we are often asked the role of DNA in determining fingerprints. While it is generally accepted that the loop, whorl and arch are genetically influenced, a broad range of environmental factors contribute in a random manner to a person's ultimate fingerprint pattern. Even identical twins have substantial fingerprint differences.

You can read more about the fingerprinting services offered by Accu-Metrics at our web site. Our staff are trained to ensure that prints taken comply with the requirements of various agencies and meet their established parameters.

Harvey Tenenbaum is the president of Accu-Metrics, a Toronto based testing laboratories specializing in the areas of DNA/genetics, forensic testing, and fingerprinting.